Working or playing in hot temperatures can trigger a variety of medical emergencies. Everyone is susceptible to heat related illnesses in a warm environment, even athletes in superb condition. Heat illnesses occur when the body¹s own cooling mechanisms become overloaded. During the dog days of summer, it is especially important to pay close attention to symptoms that could indicate a heat-related emergency and know how to treat them before they become critical.

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that occur when the body loses electrolytes like calcium and sodium. These minerals are needed by the body to perform a variety of functions and are lost with water in perspiration.
Heat cramps usually begin in the arms, legs or abdomen, and often worsen without treatment. Treatment is to rest in a cooler place, lightly stretch the affected muscle and drink water. If individuals suffering heat cramps are not treated, their condition could progress to heat exhaustion.

Heat emergencies are of three types: heat cramps (caused by loss of salt), heat exhaustion (caused by dehydration) and heat stroke (shock). Remove the victim from the heat and have him lie down. Apply cool compresses, elevate the feet, drink fluids and use a fan to blow cool air. Get medical help if needed.

Heat exhaustion victims will perspire profusely and are most likely to be pale with a body temperature near normal (98.6°F). Treatment involves resting in a cooler place, removing or loosening any tight-fitting clothing, and applying cool, wet cloths to exposed areas, especially the head. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related injury. It occurs when the brain has lost its ability to send messages to the body to regulate temperature. Those suffering from heat stroke have dry, hot, red skin, extreme confusion, a rapid, weak pulse, shallow breathing, temperatures as high as 105°F, and may lose consciousness. Heat stroke victims need professional emergency care quickly. Call 9-1-1 immediately! While waiting for help to arrive, have the person lie down in a cool place with their legs elevated. Loosen or remove sweat-soaked and tight-fitting clothing. Apply cool cloths or ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles and groin. Offer cool water only when the person is fully conscious.

Remember, both people and pets can suffer a heat-related injury. Reduce the risk by following these tips:

·      Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.

·      Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity in the sun, particularly during
the hottest part of the day.

·      Drink plenty of water regularly. Hydration is especially important
before and during any activity in hot temperatures. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drinks with caffeine or alcohol are not a substitute for water because they cause the body to lose more water than they contain.

·      Do not leave children or pets in vehicles in warm temperatures, even
if the windows are open.

·      Make sure pets have plenty of water and areas of shade to which they
can retreat.

Article Credits: Fire Marshal Alan Perkins, CFPS, is a 32-year veteran of the fire service. A Certified Fire Protection Specialist through the National Fire Protection Association and a member of several similar safety organizations. Perkins is the Fire Marshal for the Washington Township Fire Department, Dublin, Ohio. For more information, contact: Leslie Dybiec, Public Information Officer Phone: (614) 652-3928 Fax: (614) 766-2507 or ldybiec@wtwp.com.

Live Safe Foundation is an Ohio based non-profit organization (501c3), and leading grassroots movement, devoted to making and fire and life safety education, awareness initiatives and life saving tools available on a broad basis to communities, campuses, and institutions in an effort to reduce national fire fatalities and fire losses. Live Safe aims to help finance fire safety education where means are otherwise unavailable. Live Safe is developing and sponsoring programs to help groups find the resources needed to advance individual and community fire safety.