Heat Related Injuries
Is anyone else ready for the milder temps with drier air? The recent heat with high humidity has been taking a serious toll on the population.
Call volume is up for heat-related illnesses that include shortness of breath, dehydration, heart palpitations, dizziness, and others. Even the most hydrated person can succumb to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, but any level of dehydration will compound the response.
When the humidity is high, our bodies cannot cool effectively leading to hyperthermia. And if you add to this the complications of dark clothing, smoking, being over-weight, or working with lawn fertilizers or chemicals you have a recipe for heat injury.
Heat injuries, like burn injuries, have three degrees— heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
What are heat cramps? Heat cramps are the mildest form of heat illness and consist of painful muscle cramps and spasms that occur during or after intense exercise and sweating in high heat.
•Flushed, moist skin is the key indicator.
•Move to a cool place and rest.
•Do not continue to participate in the activity.
•Remove excess clothing and place cool cloths on skin; fan skin.
•Give cool sports drinks containing salt and sugar.
What is heat exhaustion? Heat exhaustion is more severe than heat cramps and results from a loss of water and salt in the body. It occurs in conditions of extreme heat and excessive sweating without adequate fluid and salt replacement. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is unable to cool itself properly and, if left untreated, can progress to heat stroke.
•Pale, moist skin is the key indicator
•Nausea
•Vomiting
•Diarrhea
•Headache
•Fatigue
•Weakness
•Anxiety & feeling faint – Move to a cool place and rest.
•Remove excess clothing and place cool cloths on skin; fan skin.
•Give cool sports drinks containing salt and sugar.
•IV (intravenous) fluids may be needed.
What is heat stroke? Heat stroke, the most severe form of heat illness, occurs when the body’s heat-regulating system is overwhelmed by excessive heat. It is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate medical attention. It includes symptoms of heat exhaustion plus:
•Red, dry, hot skin is the key indicator
•Rapid heart rate
•Confusion / Agitation
•Lethargy / Stupor
•Seizures, coma, and death are possible
•Move to a cool place and Call 911
•Remove excess clothing and drench skin with cool water; fan skin.
•Place ice bags on the armpits and groin areas.
Diligence Is Prevention
• Drink plenty of fluids during vigorous or outdoor activities, especially on hot days. Drinks of choice include water and sports drinks; avoid alcohol and caffeine, such as tea, coffee, and cola, as these can lead to dehydration.
•Make sure you dress in light colored, lightweight, tightly-woven, loose-fitting clothing on hot days.
•Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day. Take rest periods in shady or cool areas.
•Increase time spent outdoors gradually to get your child’s body used to the heat.
•Teach children to take frequent drink breaks and “wet down” or mist themselves with a spray bottle to avoid becoming overheated.
•Try to spend as much time indoors as possible on very hot and humid days.
