| Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion Know the signs to stay safe this summer
There are many fun things associated with the summer, but keep in mind, the warmer temperatures also bring some dangers. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are two of the most common heat related illnesses. According to the CDC and The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature and the body’s temperature rises rapidly. The sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency treatment. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke and is most likely to affect the elderly, people with high blood pressure, and those working in a hot environment (professionally or recreationally). Symptoms of heat stroke include:
- Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness (coma)
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Seizures
- Very high body temperature
- Fatal if treatment is delayed
Take the following steps to treat heat stroke:
- Call 911 for emergency medical care.
- Stay with the individual until emergency medical services arrive.
- Move the individual to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing.
- Circulate the air around the individual to speed cooling.
- Cool the individual quickly, using the following methods:
- Use cold water or an ice bath, if possible
- Wet the skin
- Place cold wet cloths on the skin (focus on head, neck, armpits and groin)
- Soak clothing with cool water
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Irritability
- Thirst
- Heavy sweating
- Elevated body temperature
- Decreased urine output
Take the following steps to treat heat exhaustion:
- Take the person to a clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment.
- Call 911 if medical care is unavailable.
- Have someone stay with the individual until help arrives.
- Remove the individual from the hot area and give liquids to drink.
- Remove unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks.
- Cool the individual with cold compresses or have them wash their head, face, and neck with cold water.
- Encourage frequent sips of cool water.
The best way to combat heat stroke and heat exhaustion is to limit time outside in the hot sun, find shade and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatrelillness.html https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-illness
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