As temperatures climb this summer, swift recognition and response to exertional heat stroke are crucial. Originally developed by Chief of Aerospace and Occupational Medicine Jacob R. Berry MPH, MD, SFS following a near-miss incident at Osan Air Base, the HASTE mnemonic is a practical, evidence-based tool designed for rapid recognition and intervention in heat emergencies.
Jacob R. Berry
MPH, MD, SFS Chief of Aerospace and Occupational MedicineRecently highlighted in a testimony for OSHA’s proposed heat safety standards, HASTE equips responders — both medical professionals and laypersons — to quickly identify and address exertional heat stroke, potentially preventing fatalities.
Dr. Berry said, “HASTE doesn’t reinvent the wheel — it streamlines proven medical advice from authoritative sources, including TB MED 507, ACOEM, and ACSM, into an easily remembered and actionable format.”
La Isla Network has adopted HASTE in its campaigns combating occupational heat illness among agricultural workers throughout Latin America and in future projects, recognizing its potential to transform heat safety practices globally.
Dr. Berry continues, “In contrast with OSHA’s proposed emergency planning provisions — which appropriately emphasize advance planning — HASTE provides a concrete, real-time response pathway. It addresses widespread misinformation (e.g., that sweating rules out heat stroke) and centers early mental status changes as the key indicator of exertional heat stroke.”
To test the efficacy of HASTE, Dr. Berry’s team is conducting a multi-stage research initiative analyzing more than 600 fatal heat-related cases from the Department of Labor’s fatality database.
In the second stage of the review, the team evaluates incident narratives for field interventions, where early findings indicate no documented fatality where all five HASTE steps were properly applied.
The suggestion is that, when implemented in full, HASTE may be highly protective — likely one-hundred percent effective. A detailed report and peer-reviewed publication are forthcoming.
This summer, ensure your team or community is ready. Train, educate, and ACT with HASTE.
Further Resources:
- Improved Public Health Messaging on Exertional Heat Stroke – JOEM
- Snapshot from Harvard Public Health
- La Isla Network – ACT with HASTE
La Isla Network is a health research and advisory organization dedicated to ending heat-related injury, illness and death among workers worldwide. We develop data-driven worker protection interventions and conduct management of change, improving the resiliency of workforces and businesses to heat exposure. LIN drives lasting change by working with governments and multilateral institutions to inform and create policy. For more information please use our contact form.
