Heat Exhaustion
Weakness or fatigue, giddiness, nausea and headache. In the more serious cases, a person will vomit and faint. The skin will feel clammy and moist. The complexion will be pale or flushed and the body temperature is about normal.
- Have them sip water for about one hour.
- Loosen their clothing.
- Have them lie down and raise their feet eight to ten inches high.
- Apply cool, wet cloths and then move them to a cool place (not freezing or cold).
- If vomiting occurs, do not give any liquids, but do take them to medical care.
- After having heat exhaustion, it is admissible to take a day or two off and stay cool.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat stress. Even though heat stroke usually occurs in the older person, it can and has happened to younger people. (This holds true for all forms of heat stress.) What happens when you have a heat stroke is that your thermo-regulatory system fails.
In other words, you stop sweating. There can be very little warning that a person has reached the crisis point, but unless the victim receives quick and adequate treatment, death can occur. What are the symptoms of a heat stroke?
- The body temperature rises to about 105° or higher.
- Victim will suffer from confusion,
- Convulsions,
- Deliriousness,
- Finally become unconscious
What should you do if you think someone has had a heat stroke?
- Call an ambulance.
- Move the victim to a cool area and start measures to cool down the body as quickly as
possible.
- Soak their clothing with water.
- Apply cold packs continuously.
- Place them in a tub of cool water.
- Use fans and/or air conditioning.
- Do not give them any kind of stimulants.
Prevention
The best way to fight heat illness is to prevent it. There are a few things that may help you through the hot part of the year.
- Avoid heavy exercise unless you are totally used to it.
- Avoid hot, confined places. If you can't, then work in shifts. Work a while, then get to a cooler place for a few minutes.
- Drink plenty of liquids--especially water--to replenish fluid loss.
- Soak your feet and hands in 50 to 70 degree water, take luke-warm showers, or do both.
At the first sign of heat illness such as cramps, nausea, dizziness, or severe headaches--get away from the heat. Find a cool spot and rest for a few minutes and get some fresh air.
