established that heat directly induces tissue injury and that the
severity of tissue injury and cell death is a function of the
degree and duration of hyperthermia [7-10]. Clinical studies
have shown that death from heatstroke mostly occurs soon
after the onset of hyperthermia and associated cardiovascular
failure [11-14]. Up to one third of those victims who survivethese initial deleterious effects progress to multi-organ system
failure culminating in death or severe neurologic damage
[15,16]. The most important objectives in the treatment of
heatstroke are, therefore, to decrease body temperature as
quickly as possible and to support the cardiovascular system.
Achievement of these goals is crucial to the prevention of irreversible
organ damage and death.