After tragically losing her 16-year-old son to exertional heatstroke during football practice, Ashley Roberson welcomes LSU’s adoption of air-conditioned helmets, Your Content has learned.
Roberson’s son, Remy Hidalgo, collapsed during a practice session in 2020 and passed away three days later.
While many are impressed by the cool factor and technological advancements of the new helmets showcased before the upcoming college football season, Roberson sees them as a crucial safety measure.
She passionately advocates for heat prevention, emphasizing that her son’s passing and all heatstroke deaths are preventable.
The helmets, developed by Louisiana-based company Tigeraire, incorporate a cooling air accelerator to combat heat-related issues.
Roberson’s Remy Hidalgo Memorial Foundation has collaborated with Tigeraire to equip students at Denham Springs High School, Remy’s alma mater, with this technology.
Each purchase of the helmets also supports the foundation’s cause.
Roberson’s mission is inspired by other parents who have suffered similar losses, such as the Zach Martin Foundation and the foundation established by Jordan McNair’s father.
Alongside the helmets, Roberson aims to provide cold water immersion tubs and wet bulb globe thermometers to football teams in the Baton Rouge area, as these measures significantly aid in preventing exertional heatstroke.
Roberson stresses the importance of rapidly cooling the athlete’s body temperature below 104 degrees Fahrenheit within 30 minutes, highlighting the use of ice water immersion or shade if such equipment is unavailable.
Prompt cooling is vital to prevent organ failure, particularly affecting the kidneys and liver.
By promoting awareness and taking proactive measures, Roberson hopes to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of student athletes,‘according to FOX News.
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