Hot Weather Health Emergencies

Doing too much on a hot day, spending too much time in the sun or staying too long in an overheated place can cause heat-related illnesses. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heat disorders and overexposure to the sun, and be ready to give first aid treatment.

HEAT STROKE

Heat stroke occurs when the the body is unable to regulate its temperature. Body temperature rises rapidly, sweating stops, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperatures can rise to 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.

Warning Signs Include:

• Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees orally)
• Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating).
• Rapid pulse.
• Throbbing headache.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea.
• Confusion.
• Unconsciousness.

What to Do:

This may be a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call 9-1-1 while you begin cooling the victim:

• Get to a shady area.
• Cool the victim down rapidly by using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse them in a tub of cool water; place them in a cool shower; spray them with cool water from a garden hose; or sponge them with cool water.
• Do not give the victim any fluids to drink.
• If the victim's muscles start to twitch uncontrollably, (this will sometimes happen with a heat stroke) keep the victim from injuring themselves, but do not place any object in their mouth or give fluids. If they vomit, turn them on their side to keep the airway open.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Heat exhaustion can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequatae or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are the elderly, people with high blood pressure or people working or exercising in a hot environment.

Warning Signs include:

• Heavy sweating.
• Paleness.
• Muscle cramps.
• Tiredness.
• Weakness.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Fainiting.
• Skin may feel cool and moist, but pulse will be fast and weak, and breathing will fast and shallow.

Seek medical attention immediately if the following occurs:

• Severe symptoms are present.
• Victim has heart problems or high blood pressure.

Otherwise, help the victim cool down, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour.

What to Do:

Cool them down with:

• Cool, non-alcoholic beverages.
• Rest.
• A cool shower, bath or sponge bath.
• An air-conditioned environment.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms that occur in the abdomen, arms or legs, and are associated with strenuous activity. If you have heart problems or are on a low-sodium diet, get medical attention for heat cramps.

What to Do:

• Stop all activity, and sit quietly in a cool place.
• Drink clear juice or a sports beveragte.
• Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps stop, because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• Seek medical attention if the cramps do not stop in an hour.

Sunburn

Sunburns should be avoided becuase they damage the skin, and can lead to skin cancer. Most sunburns do not need medical attention, and the discomfort is usually minor and heals within a week.

What to Do:

Consult a doctor if the person with the sunburn is younger than one year of age or if these symptoms are present:

• Fever.
• Fluid filled blisters.
• Severe pain.

Remember these tips when treating a sunburn:

• Avoid repeated sun exposure.
• Apply cold compresses or immerse the sunburned area in cool water.
• Apply moisturizing lotion to affected areas. Don't use salves, butter or ointments.
• Do not break blisters.

Sources used:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat
http://www.sedgwickcounty.org/ems/hot_weather.html
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/heat/index.shtml