Summer Heat Tips

HEAT STRESS * HEAT EXHAUSTION * HEAT STROKE

As temperatures rise, so does the stress on your body. Several things can help you battle the heat – acclimation to the heat, consumption of water and good nutrition. Know the 3 types of heat emergencies.

HEAT STRESS (heat cramps)  When your body temperature rises above normal, you can experience muscle cramps, become weak, disoriented and ill.

Signs of heat stress (heat cramps) – tiredness, irritability, inattention, and muscle cramps. These cramps usually occur after heavy sweating and may begin towards the end of a workday.

First Aid for heat stress/heat cramps – drink fluids (water or Gatorade – not alcohol, caffeine or carbonated beverages) and move to a cool environment.

HEAT EXHAUSTION – You may start to experience extreme weakness, fatigue, giddiness, nausea or a headache.

First Aid for heat exhaustion – rest in the shade or a cool place, drink plenty of water or Gatorade, loosen clothing to allow your body to cool and use cool wet rags to aid cooling.

HEAT STROKE – Sweating is diminished or absent, which makes the skin hot and dry.  Body temperature is very high (greater than 105 degrees).

Signs of heat stroke – mental confusion, delirium, chills, dizziness, loss of consciousness, convulsions or coma, hot, dry skin that may be red, mottled or bluish.

First Aid for heat stroke – This is life threatening! Call 9-1-1.  Brain damage and death are possible.  Until medical help arrives, move the victim from the heat and into a cool place.

 

Cinda Seamon

Fire & Life Safety Educator

Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue