HIGH TEMPERATURE + HIGH HUMIDITY + PHYSICAL WORK = HEAT ILLNESS
Heat Exhaustion
When the body is unable to cool itself through sweating, serious heat illnesses may occur. The most severe heat-induced illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If left untreated, heat exhaustion could progress to heat stroke and possible death.
The Signs
- Headaches
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Weakness
- Mood changes such as irritability, confusion, or the inability to think straight
- Upset stomach/vomiting
- Decreased or dark-colored urine
- Fainting or passing out
- Pale, clammy skin
Treatment
- Move the victim to a cool, shaded area to rest.
- Don’t leave the person alone. If symptoms include dizziness or lightheadedness, lay the victim on his or her back and raise the legs 6 to 8 inches.
- If symptoms include nausea or upset stomach, lay the victim on his or her side.
- Loosen and remove any heavy clothing.
- Have the person drink cool water (about a cup every 15 minutes) unless sick to the stomach.
- Cool the person’s body by fanning and spraying with a cool mist of water or applying a wet cloth to the person’s skin.
- Call 911 for emergency help if the person does not feel better in a few minutes.
Heat Stroke: It’s An EMERGENCY!
The Signs
- Dry, pale skin with no sweating
- Hot, red skin that looks sunburned
- Mood changes such as irritability, confusion, or the inability to think straight
- Seizures or fits
- Seizures or fits
- Seizures or fits
- Seizures or fits
- Seizures or fits
- Seizures or fits
- Unconciousness with no response
Treatment
- Call 911 for emergency help immediately.
- Move the victim to a cool, shaded area. Don’t leave the person alone.
- Lay the victim on his or her back.
- Move any nearby objects away from the person if symptoms include seizures or fits.
- If symptoms include nausea or upset stomach, lay the victim on his or her side.
- Loosen and remove any heavy clothing.
- Have the person drink cool water (about a cup every 15 minutes) if alert enough to drink something, unless sick to the stomach.
- Cool the person’s body by fanning and spraying with a cool mist of water or wiping the victim with a wet cloth or covering him or her with a wet sheet.
- Place ice packs under the armpits and groin area.
