Tips to Prevent Heat Related Illness
For Immediate Release:
7/12/2010 9:18 am
Worcester, MA (July 12, 2010) - Below are some tips from the Emergency Management Division:
Tips to Prevent Heat Related Illness
-
Never leave infants, children or the frail elderly unattended in a parked car.
-
Drink plenty of fluids; don't wait until you're thirsty.
-
Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Use a hat and sunscreen as needed.
-
Drink fruit juice or a sports beverage to replace salts and minerals lost during heavy sweating (if a client/resident is on a low-sodium diet, check with his/her physician first).
-
During the hottest parts of the day, keep physical activities to a minimum and stay indoors in air conditioning and out of the sun.
-
Use fans as needed.
-
Open windows to allow fresh air to circulate when appropriate.
-
Use cool compresses, misting, showers and baths.
-
Avoid hot foods and heavy meals - they add heat to the body. Eat frozen treats.
Heat Stroke & Heat Exhaustion
Heat stroke - which occurs when the body can't control its temperature - may result in disability or death if emergency treatment is not given. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses a large amount of water and salt contained in sweat.
Warning signs of heat stroke vary, but may include:
-
An Extremely High Body Temperature (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, orally)
-
Unconsciousness
-
Dizziness, Nausea and Confusion
-
Red, Hot and Dry Skin (no sweating)
-
Rapid, Strong Pulse
-
Throbbing Headache
Warning signs of heat exhaustion vary, but may include:
What to Do
If you see any of the signs for heat stroke or heat exhaustion, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency and should do the following:
-
Have someone call 911 while you begin cooling the victim.
-
Get the victim to a shady area.
-
Cool the victim rapidly with a cool bath or shower, or by sponging with cool water, until body temperature drops to 101-102 degrees Fahrenheit, orally.
-
If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
-
Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.
-
Again, get medical assistance as soon as possible.
If a victim's muscles twitch uncontrollably as a result of heat stroke, keep the victim from injuring him/herself, but do not place any object in the mouth and do not give fluids. If there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turning the victim on his/her side.
