Feel as if you’ve been cooped up indoors all winter? Summer has officially arrived and you can’t wait to get outdoors and have fun. If you anticipate being outside for prolonged periods of time, check your local weather forecast to see how high the temperature and humidity is expected to rise and take the necessary precautions to avoid heat stroke.
Those who are not used to hot weather, especially if it is combined with high humidity run the risk of becoming overcome with heat stroke. Your body is constantly struggling to maintain a safe body temperature of a comfortable 98.6°F. If the body’s normal mechanisms for dealing with heat stress, such as sweating and temperature control are lost, heatstroke can result, becoming severe and even life-threatening.
Those at risk include:
Infants, young children, elderly and pets
Employees working in the heat
Athletes and exercisers (especially beginners)
Heart patients, people with circulatory problems or those suffering from other long-term illness
Individuals taking certain medications that alter sweat production
Alcoholics and drug abusers
What are the signs and symptoms of heat stroke?
Victim’s body feels extremely hot and dry-unless if heatstroke is caused by exertion, the skin may be moist
Altered mental status ranging from slight confusion and disorientation to coma
Irrational, agitated or even aggressive behavior may even experience seizures
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid and shallow breathing
Elevated or lowered blood pressure
Cessation of sweating
Headache
Nausea
Fainting (usually the first sign in older adults)
Dizzy or light-headed
What to do if you suspect heatstroke:
Move the person out of the sun and to a half-sitting position into a shady or air-conditioned space
Call 9-1-1 for emergency medical assistance
Cool the person with damp sheets or spray with cool water and vigorously fan (if the humidity is less than 75%)
Provide cool water if available and if he/she is able to drink
For more information on reducing risk or any of our other services, please contact Jeff Harrison at jeff.harrison@cbservices.org or 800.807.0300 ext 2543