HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS

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Aug 8, 2001

Last Wednesday (August 1st, 2001), Korey Stringer, a right tackle for the Minnesota Vikings, died due to complications from heatstroke. While the effort exerted by football players in training is more extreme than most of us encounter in our outdoor activities, heat-related illness can strike anyone who spends time outdoors in hot weather, if precautions are not taken.

Heat-related illness occurs when the body loses its ability to maintain a normal body temperature through sweating and the brain's ability to control body temperature.

There are two basic heat-related illnesses:

HEAT EXHAUSTION: A mild to moderate heat-related illness, heat exhaustion can occur suddenly, often after strenuous exercise in hot weather. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: Nausea and vomiting, faintness and/or dizziness, and a rapid pulse. Skin may be warm or hot to the touch, and can appear red or very pale. Often, people suffering from heat exhaustion have a low-grade fever: above normal, but less than 104 degrees F.

HEATSTROKE: Similar to heat exhaustion, only more severe. Heatstroke often occurs as a result of strenuous work or exercise in hot weather, combined with an inadequate intake of fluids. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: The main indicator of heatstroke is a body temperature of greater than 104 degrees F. In addition to the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, victims of heatstroke often have changes in their mental status, ranging from mild confusion to coma. Other signs and symptoms of heatstroke are rapid breathing, irritability, fainting, and, in some cases, seizures.

FIRST AID FOR HEAT EXHAUSTION:

*Move the victim from the sun to an air-conditioned (or, at least, shady) area.

*Have the victim lay down and slightly elevate the legs.

*Loosen or remove clothing.

*Give the victim a cold drink, such as water or a sports drink (like Gatorade). DO NOT give alcohol or soda. Do not use ice in the drink.

*Spray the victim with cool water to encourage evaporation of heat through the skin.

*Monitor for changes in consciousness or an increase in body temperature. Heat exhaustion can turn into heatstroke if left untreated.

FIRST AID FOR HEATSTROKE:

*CALL 911. Heatstroke can be a life-threatening or fatal condition if left untreated.

*Move the victim out of the sun.

*Loosen or remove clothing, and spray the victim with cool water. Cover the victim with damp sheets or other light material, if possible.

*DO NOT give the victim anything to drink if the victim is experiencing altered consciousness.