The human body is normally able to regulate its temperature through sweating, until it is exposed to more heat than it can handle. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can escalate rapidly, leading to delirium, organ damage and even death.
People most at risk include:
- Infants and young children, especially if left in hot cars
- People 65 and older
- People who are ill, have chronic health conditions or are on certain medications
- People who are overweight
Heat Exhaustion: When the body loses excessive water and salt, usually due to sweating, heat exhaustion can occur. According to the NSC First Aid Quick Reference App, signs and symptoms include:
- Sweating
- Pale, ashen or moist skin
- Muscle cramps (especially for those working or exercising outdoors in high temperatures)
- Fatigue, weakness or exhaustion
- Headache, dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
Uncontrolled heat exhaustion can evolve into heat stroke, so make sure to treat victims quickly:
- Move victims to a shaded or air-conditioned area
- Give water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages
- Apply wet towels, or have victims take a cool shower
Heat Stroke: Seek medical help immediately if someone is suffering from heat stroke. Signs include:
- Body temperature above 103 degrees
- Skin that is flushed, dry and hot to the touch; sweating has usually stopped
- Rapid breathing
- Headache, dizziness, confusion or other signs of altered mental status
- Irrational or belligerent behavior
- Convulsions or unresponsiveness
Immediately take action:
- Call 911
- Move the victim to a cool place
- Remove unnecessary clothing
- Immediately cool the victim, preferably by immersing up to the neck in cold water (with the help of a second rescuer)
- If immersion in cold water is not possible, place the victim in a cold shower or move to a cool area and cover as much of the body as possible with cold, wet towels
- Keep cooling until body temperature drops to 101 degrees
- Monitor the victim’s breathing and be ready to give CPR if needed
Thosewho are elderly, house-bound or otherwise may be reluctant to ask for help. You can offer to host them in the air-conditioned comfort of your living room on hot days, drive them to a local cooling center, or call relatives or city services to arrange for them to stay cool.
Information provided via online article: https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/heat