Understanding Exertional Heat Illness with Dr Ross Hemingway OBE

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Ross Hemingway OBE, a leading expert in exertional heat illness, to explore the causes, risks, and management of this potentially life-threatening condition.

As the autumn marathon season winds down and athletes prepare for warmer events, Ross shares his deep insights from years of experience treating amateur, elite, and tactical athletes. From personal stories to practical advice, this conversation covers everything from early recognition and rapid cooling to long-term rehabilitation and prevention strategies. 

About Ross

Ross has extensive experience in managing amateur, elite and tactical  athletes with exertional collapse. He is a national expert in the prevention, acute management and rehabilitation of patients with exertional heat illness ( EHI). He is passionate about reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with EHI.

He is a founding member of the UK Heat Illness Advisory Group and is an author of the UK National Consensus Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care guidelines on EHI. 

Ross is an Honorary Senior lecturer in Sports Medicine at Exeter University and Match Day Doctor for the Gallagher Premiership Rugby  and Rugby Football Union. 

Ross was awarded the OBE in the 2023 King’s New Year’s Honours List  ‘For services to the Royal Marines’.

Links

View the position statement - https://www.fsem.ac.uk/position-statement/exertional-heat-illness-consensus-statement/