Weather forecasters are predicting temperatures over 100 degrees for the next few days and it’s imperative that everyone know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Please check out the tips below to avoid heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration and to find out what to do if they strike you or someone around you.
Don’t forget to check on elderly family, friends or neighbors and ensure their air conditioning is working or that they have fans to help keep them as cool as possible. Also make sure they are staying hydrated.
Animals are also susceptible. Be mindful of their safety. It’s best to keep them inside when temperatures are extremely high. At the very least, make sure they have shade and water.
Never leave a child, elderly person or pet in the car on hot days.
Symptoms of mild heat exhaustion:
- Feeling thirsty
- Fatigue/weakness
- Leg or abdominal cramps, muscle cramps
- Heavy sweating
Left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are severe or if the victim has heart problems, high blood pressure or other serious medical conditions.
Cooling measures that might be effective include:
- Cool, non-caffeinated, nonalcoholic beverages
- Rest
- Cool shower, bath or sponge bath
- An air-conditioned environment
- Lightweight, loose clothing
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea/vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion
- Blood pressure changes
- Flushed skin that feels hot and dry
- Rise in body temperature
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe cases can cause liver, kidney and brain damage
If any of the above signs are present, call for immediate medical help and begin cooling the victim
- Get victim to a shady area.
- Cool him/her rapidly using whatever methods are available. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place them in a cool shower; spray them with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water.
- Monitor body temperature. Continue cooling efforts until temperature drops to 101-102 degrees.
- If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call hospital for further instructions.
- Do not give the victim fluids to drink.
Sometimes a victim’s muscles will twitch uncontrollably as a result of heat stroke. Keep the victim from injuring himself, but do not place any object in the mouth and do not give fluids. If there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turning the victim on his/her side.
To avoid heat illnesses:
- Reduce/limit activities when heat and humidity reach critical levels.
- Stay well-hydrated.
- Wear light colored and lightweight clothing.
- Take advantage of shady areas.
- Take advantage of air-conditioned areas. If your home does not have air-conditioning, spend time at shopping malls, recreation centers, etc.
When a feeling of thirst begins, the body is already dehydrated. Water or sports drink consumption should be increased in hot weather.
Symptoms of dehydration:
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Cessation of sweating
- Fatigue, irritability, lethargy
- Dark yellow urine or lack of urine
- Lack of tears, sunken eyes