Avoiding Heat Illness

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The combination of high heat and high humidity can be very dangerous.

Normally, human beings can tolerate excessive heat through regulatory changes that occur in the body. These changes include sweating, dilation of blood vessels, and an increase in the body chemical that regulate fluids and salts. When the environmental temperature remains high for extended periods of time, these mechanisms can fail, especially in vulnerable individuals.

Who is at risk?
How to handle the heat
Heat stress
What to do for heat stress
Heat exhaustion
What to do for heat exhaustion
Heat stroke
What to do for heat stroke

Who is at risk?

• Infants and children

• Elderly

• Anyone in poor health

• Anyone with cardiovascular or heart disease

• Persons using certain medications, such as some antidepressant medications, antihistamines, diuretics, some over-the-counter sleeping pills, haloperidol, chlorpromazine, some medications for Parkinson’s, or cocaine use. (Consult your doctor or pharmacist.)

• Persons whose occupation requires them to be outside.

How to handle the heat

• Drink lots of water and juices

• Wear loose, light, cotton clothing

• Avoid alcoholic beverages

• Avoid heavy meals

• Avoid using your oven

• Exercise only during cooler parts of the day

• Take a cool bath or shower periodically

• Close blinds or shades to keep the sun and heat out

• Reverse the direction of ceiling fans to pull heat up

• Take advantage of air conditioning

• Call family, friends and neighbors to check them frequently

• Never leave children or pets in a car

• When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you

Heat Stress

Symptoms of heat stress:

Heat fatigue is a feeling of weakness brought on by exposure to high temperatures.

Heat syncope is an episode of dizziness and fainting, which occurs after strenuous activity in excessive heat.

Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs following strenuous activity in a hot environment without adequate fluid intake.

What to do for heat stress

• Drink water and/or sports drinks

• Loosen clothing and lie down in a cool place

• Elevate feet, if light-headed or person has fainted

• Rest and fluids are usually all the person needs

• Do not give salt tablets or salt. These may make the situation worse.

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion usually occurs after hours or days of exposure to extreme heat and is caused by dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion:

• Moist, pale or flushed skin

• Sweating profusely

• Clumsy or uncoordinated movements

• Weakness and exhaustion

• Nausea

• Rapid, weak pulse

• Dizziness

• Increased thirst

What to do for heat exhaustion

• Drink water and/or sports drinks

• Rest out of the heat

• See a health care provider, especially if symptoms worsen.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke is a medical emergency that progresses very rapidly and can be fatal.

Signs and symptoms of heat stroke:

• Skin is hot and dry. Sweating stops.

• The person is lethargic and may become unconscious

• The person may be confused or even combative

• Rapid pulse

• Rapid, shallow breathing

• Faintness or staggering

• Vomiting

What to do for heat stroke

• Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency – call 911 immediately!

• Loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths

• Do not give fluids!

• Position person on his side, if vomiting, and watch for breathing problems.

• Remain with the person until help arrives.