Heat
Emergencies
How to Recognize and Treat
Heat Emergencies
Heat cramps,
heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are conditions caused by overexposure to heat.
Heat cramps are the least severe but, if not cared for, may be followed by heat
exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are heat-related
illnesses. Generally, illnesses caused by overexposure to extreme temperatures
are preventable. To prevent heat emergencies from happening to you or anyone you
know, follow these guidelines:
• Avoid being
outdoors in the hottest part of the day.
• Change your
activity level according to the temperature.
• Take frequent
breaks.
• Dress
appropriately for the environment.
• Drink large
amounts of fluids before, during, and after activity. The easiest way to prevent
illness caused by temperature extremes is to avoid being outside during the part
of the day when temperatures are most extreme.
Heatstroke
The
signals of heatstroke include—
hot, red skin
which can be dry, or moist from exercise; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak
pulse; rapid, shallow breathing, vomiting.
A person experiencing
heatstroke can have a very high body temperature—sometimes as high as 106°F (41°
C).
What
to do for heat stroke—
Heatstroke is a life-threatening situation. If you
suspect someone is suffering from heatstroke, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency
number immediately:
1. Move the
person to a cool place.
2. Loosen tight clothing.
3. Remove
perspiration-soaked clothing.
4. Apply cool, wet cloths to the
skin.
5. Fan the person.
6. If conscious, give small amounts of
cool water to drink.
7. Place the person on his or her side.
8.
Continue to cool the person by using ice or cold packs on the wrists, ankles,
groin, and neck and in the armpits.
9. Continue to check breathing and
circulation.
Do not give liquids that
contain alcohol or caffeine because they can cause further dehydration, making
conditions worse. Ensure 9-1-1 or the local emergency number is called if the
person refuses water, vomits or starts to lose consciousness.
Heat
Exhaustion
The signals of heat exhaustion
include—
cool, moist,
pale, or flushed skin;
heavy sweating;
headache; nausea, dizziness, and exhaustion;
normal or below normal body temperature.
What to do for heat
exhaustion—If you suspect someone is suffering from heat
exhaustion;
1. Move the
person to a cooler place;
2. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply
cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets soaked in water.
3. If the
person is conscious, give him or her cool water to drink. Make sure the person
drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes.
4. Let
the person rest in a comfortable position; and
5. Watch carefully for
changes in his or her condition.
Do not give liquids that
contain alcohol or caffeine because they can cause further dehydration, making
conditions worse.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are
muscle spasms that are caused by excessive sweating that results in a deficiency
of salt. Although not as serious as heat exhaustion or heatstroke, heat cramps
sometimes precede them. If someone is suffering from
heat cramps, move the person to a cooler place and have him or
her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch and gently massage the
affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15
minutes.
Do not give liquids that contain
alcohol or caffeine because they can cause further dehydration, making
conditions worse.
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