Heat-Related Illness
Heat Stroke happens when you cannot regulate your body temperature. Your body temperature will rise quickly, your sweating response will fail, and your body will not be able to cool itself. When this happens, your body temperature can rise to 103° F or higher within 10-15 minutes, and if treatment isn’t initiated, it can result in permanent disability or even death.
Symptoms:
- Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Seizures
- Very high body temperature
- Fatal if treatment is delayed
Treatment or First Aid:
Steps to follow in treating a person with heat stroke:
- Call 911 for emergency medical care
- Remain with the person until EMS arrives
- If able, move the person into the shade or cooler area; remove outer clothing
- Cool the person quickly via the following recommended methods:
o Apply cold water or ice bath
o Wet the skin
o Place cold wet cloths on the skin
o Soak clothing in cool water
Heat exhaustion results from excessive loss of water and salt, typically through extreme sweating. It is most likely to affect:
- The elderly
- People with high blood pressure
- People who work in a hot environment
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Irritability
- Thirst
- Heavy sweating
- Elevated body temperature
- Decreased urine output
Treatment or First Aid:
- Take the person to a clinic or the nearest emergency center for medical evaluation
- Call 911 if medical care is not available
- Stay with the person while waiting for help
- Move the person to a cooler area; offer fluids to drink
- Remove unnecessary clothing, even shoes and socks
- Cool the person with cool compresses or have them wash their head, face and neck with cold water
- Encourage frequent sips of cold water
Sources
CDC: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Heat Stress – Heat Related Illness
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/heatrelillness.html
CDC: Extreme Heat, Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness