New guidelines were announced today in Indianapolis including an unusual policy for treating athletes with heat stroke. The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) says that victims of heat stroke should not be rushed to the hospital. NATA reports that cold water immersion is the most effective treatment for heat stroke.

The first-ever water break in World Cup was taken during the match between Portugal and US this week and it is a reminder that everyone needs to take extra precautions while playing in the heat.

According to estimates by NATA, sports related heat injuries and deaths continue to rise. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention cites heat stroke as the main cause of death and disability among high school students. Such deaths are preventable if the right precautions are taken at the right time.

The athletic trainers' group announced updated guidelines on Friday that give details as to exactly what needs to change. It stresses on the importance of hydration, body cooling and heat acclimatization.

Though the guidelines were written keeping in mind the athletes, they can be applied by anyone who wishes to stay active during the summer months, said the athletic trainers.

A simple sideline ice water tub could prove be a life saver. Trainers say that there should be one on every field when athletes are working out in the heat. Whenever an athlete suffers from a heat stroke, it is essential to get their core body temperature down quickly to avoid permanent organ or brain damage or even death.

The NATA Expo released new heat and hydration guidelines for athletes. Most significant one is the "cool first, transport second" policy for athletes who are suffering a heat stroke, when core body temperature rises above 104 degrees.

NATA reports that the best way to treat heat stroke is immersion in cold water on site in the first 30 minutes after a heat stroke incident.