Lesson 6: HEAT ILLNESS
There are several types of heat illness. We'll compare and contrast the various heat illnesses and their symptoms, time frames (when symptoms appear), and complications. First aid, advanced medical assistance, and risk factors will be covered, as well as a brief look at hypothermia in warm weather. Hypothermia in the summertime? Yes, it CAN happen.
INTRODUCTION TO LESSON 6
Heat illness is a very real concern in the summertime. Anyone who spends any amount of time outdoors in the summertime is at risk for heat illness. Very young children or elderly people are at an increased risk of complications from heat. In this lesson, we’ll focus on the different types of heat illness, their symptoms and complications, as well as risk factors, first aid, and when to seek advanced medical care for heat illness, and how to prevent heat illness. In addition, we’ll take a brief look at hypothermia. Hypothermia is typically a winter hazard, but it CAN happen in warm weather. If you understand what hypothermia is, and that it can happen in the summertime, you’ll be much more able to handle summertime hypothermia, should the situation arise.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
*Define heat illness, meeting all of the following objectives:
- Recognize the situations in which heat illness is most likely to occur.
- Differentiate between the different types of heat illness.
- Identify symptoms and symptomatic time frames according to the type of heat illness.
- Provide first aid to a victim of heat illness, according to the specific type of heat illness.
- Know when to seek emergency medical attention for heat illness.
- Define hypothermia and the summertime situations in which hypothermia may occur.
- Recognize symptoms of hypothermia.
- Provide first aid to a victim of hypothermia.
You can find more information pertaining to this lesson in these valuable resources:
- First Aid Manual: A Comprehensive Guide to Treating Emergency Victims of All Ages in Any Situation.
- A link to an excellent article on hydration to prevent heat illness.
- A link to an informative article on heat illness relating to sports medicine.
Please see the resources section of this course for more information on the recommended manual and links.
You can also find other links to important information referred to in this lesson in the "References" section of this lesson.
