Is It Exertional Heatstroke or Something More? A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Heat stroke, heat-related illness, and malignant hyperthermia all present with hyperthermia. The former two are common presentations in the emergency department (ED). On the other hand, malignant hyperthermia (MH) is an uncommon but equally dangerous condition that requires prompt recognition and specific treatment with dantrolene sodium and avoidance of certain medications to reduce morbidity and mortality. Recent research focusing on nonanesthetic or exercise-induced MH has demonstrated a relationship between certain gene mutations and malignant hyperthermia susceptibility. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 19 year-old man with a family history of MH who was treated for exertional heat stroke, but despite cooling and adequate fluid resuscitation, demonstrated worsening rhabdomyolysis that subsequently responded to the administration of dantrolene sodium. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This case illustrates the importance of recognizing the potential relationship between exertional heat stroke and malignant hyperthermia. The overlap between heat stroke and malignant hyperthermia susceptibility has important implications in the treatment and evaluation of patients presenting with signs and symptoms of heat stroke or heat-related illness in the ED.

Integrating actors into a simulation program: a primer.

We describe our more than 10 years' experience working with actors and provide a "how-to" guide to recruiting, auditioning, hiring, training, and mentoring actors for work as simulated patients in simulation programs. We contend that trained actors add great realism, richness, and depth to simulation-based training programs. The actors experience satisfaction from their contributions, and their skill and improvisational talent allow programs to offer ethical and relational training, customized to a wide range of practitioners and adapted across a variety of health care conversations. Such learning opportunities can directly address Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education core competencies in preparing capable, confident, and empathic health care practitioners.