Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Being active outdoors this time of year can lead to heat exhaustion and even worse, heat stroke.

HEAT EXHAUSTION occurs when the body's normal temperature reducing mechanisms get overwhelmed and become inefficient or stop working.

Signs of heat exhaustion are:

Heavy sweating, pale, cool sweaty skin, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and

feeling weak. Although it may not appear serious, treat heat exhaustion quickly. Without early recognition and treatment, it could progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition.

TREATMENT:

• Move the person to a cooler, shady place or inside where air conditioning is available.
• Spray water on or apply cool, wet cloths to the head and torso, and encourage the person to drink fluids, preferably a carbohydrate-electrolyte sports-type drink followed by plain water.
• Loosen or remove excess clothing.
• Have the person lie down and consider raising his or her legs six to 12 inches.
• The idea here is to get the person cooled down ASAP!

HEAT STROKE is a condition where the body's normal cooling systems are overwhelmed. This is a serious medical emergency.

Signs of Heat Stroke are:

The person will be very warm, even hot to the touch; heavy sweating could be present, but in many cases, the skin can be red and completely dry.

Typically, the person will be confused and could have trouble communicating.

The person could become unresponsive and could experience a seizure.

TREATMENT:

FIRST CALL 911

• When possible, immerse the person up to his or her chin in cold water.
• If immersion is not possible, spray or pour cold water on the person or cover them with a cold, wet sheet. If available, use a fan to enhance cooling.
• You MUST cool this person down quickly!

A FEW FINAL TAKEAWAY POINTS:

• Heat cramps (muscle spasms) are the earliest signs of a heat illness.
• Prevention of heat-related issues can be prevented or at least minimized by:
• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate early and often, starting even before your day outdoors begins. Stay ahead of the dehydration curve by drinking sports-type drinks and bottles of clear water.
• Not to give TMI, but if you are not urinating, you are already dehydrated. AND, look at the color of your urine. If it is not a light yellow or clear color, you are very likely even more dehydrated.
• AND like with any other emergency, if you suspect any medical (or safety) issue, call 911 NOW!