Heat Exhaustion Training For Coaches Required By New Law

A new Indiana law requires school coaches to undergo training for heat-related medical issues. The measure’s author says it’s the “last piece of the puzzle” to help coaches protect student athletes’ health.

Rep. Ron Bacon (R-Chandler) is a respiratory therapist and a former school coach. In the last few years, he’s helped put into law training requirements for concussions and cardiac arrest. Bacon says this year’s bill ensures coaches have the training and education to recognize and prevent heat exhaustion.

“You can’t just push kids ‘til they drop. You need to look at what they’re doing and are they hydrating correctly and how to manage that," Bacon says.

This year’s bill also says the previously-required concussion training program must be created in consultation with a doctor with concussion and brain injury expertise.

The new heat training requirement takes effect January 1.