HEALTH & SAFETY
"Heat Related Illnesses" - by Rusty Riis.
What is a heat illness?
Heat related illnesses are becoming more and more likely as the summer progresses and temperatures begin to rise. While the human body is a very well built machine, it must be taken care of to keep it that way. Heat related illnesses cover heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke the most serious type of heat related illness. A heat illness is a prolonged exposure to heat and interferes with the bodies ability to cool itself causing life threatening affects to the body. As body temperature rises, blood rushes to the surface away from the brain and vital organs in an attempt to coll itself.
Who is struck by heat related illness?
Anyone can suffer from a heat related illness. However, some groups of people are more prone to heat related illness then others. The elderly, alcoholics, and the obese are most commonly affected and can have the most critical outcomes. Times of high humidity will also exacerbate the affects of heat related illness.
How do I know I or someone I know may have a heat related illness
Heat exhaustion:
Heat exhaustion occurs when a person cannot sweat enough to cool the body. It generally develops when a person is working or exercising in hot weather. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include fatigue, weakness, headache, dizziness, or nausea, and the skin is pale, cool, and moist. Mild heat exhaustion does not cause a change in a person's mental alertness and usually can be treated at home.
Moderate to severe heat exhaustion can sometimes lead to heatstroke, which requires emergency treatment.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke occurs when the body fails to regulate its own temperature, and body temperature continues to rise. Symptoms of heatstroke include:
Unconsciousness for longer than a few seconds.
Confusion, severe restlessness, or anxiety.
Convulsion (seizure).
Symptoms of moderate to severe difficulty breathing.
Fast heart rate.
Sweating that may be heavy or may have stopped.
Skin that may be red, hot, and dry, even in the armpits.
Treatment
Victims of heat stroke must receive immediate treatment to avoid permanent organ damage. First and foremost, cool the victim. Get the victim to a shady area, remove clothing, apply cool or tepid water to the skin (for example you may spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose), fan the victim to promote sweating and evaporation, place ice packs under armpits and groins. Monitor body temperature with a thermometer and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102 degrees. Always notify emergency services (911) immediately. If their arrival is delayed, they can give you further instructions for treatment of the victim.
