TOO WARM FOR COMFORT±HEAT STROKE IN MINNESOTA. S. Dubey 1 , J.W. Leatherman 2 ; 1 Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN; 2 University of Minnesota LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1) To recognize the morbidity and mortality from heat stroke 2) To emphasize that heat stroke is preventable and screening should be incorporated into seasonal health care maintenance. CASE INFORMATION: An 80 year old healthy male was found unresponsive by his wife in their sauna at home when he failed to come out in four hours time. Paramedics rushed him to the hospital where his core temperature was found to be 103 degrees F. He developed multiorgan damage including, respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support, myocardial injury, impaired hepatic and renal function, rhabdomyolysis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. With supportive treatment he made remarkable recovery and was discharged form the hospital on day six with a diagnosis of heat stroke. DISCUSSION: Heat stroke is a medical emergency manifesting with core temperature greater than 106 degrees F and multiorgan injury. Heat stroke can be fatal with almost 200 deaths occurring during an average summer in the United States alone. Risk factors include advanced age, lower socioeconomic status, chronic illness, dehydration, strenuous exercise and hot weather. Prevention is of utmost importance. Treatment consists of cooling, which must begin in the field, and supportive care. The mortality rate is as high as 10% in spite of aggressive management. Since it is easily preventable, screening and counseling need to be integrated into health care maintenance during high risk seasons to reduce the burden inflicted by this illness.