Lesson 6: HEAT ILLNESS

SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND FIRST AID

Symptoms of heat illness vary, according to the degree of heat illness:

• The symptoms of HEAT CRAMPS are painful, but localized and fairly mild. The muscles in the abdomen, legs, and sometimes the arms spasm, causing painful contractions. People who sweat profusely during exercise are at greater risk for heat cramps, due to the depletion of fluid (and salt) through sweat. Heat cramps may also be an indicator of heat exhaustion, so be aware of any other symptoms present. Heat cramps can occur during exercise, and last up to an hour after ceasing of activity.
• Signs of HEAT EXHAUSTION tend to be systemic (affecting the entire body), although heat cramps may be present during heat exhaustion. Symptoms may have a sudden onset, and remember that heat exhaustion doesn’t always occur with strenuous activity. Just spending a long day in the sun can cause heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat exhaustion are:
  *Red or very pale skin.
  *Skin that is warm or hot to the touch.
  *Faintness and /or dizziness.
  *Nausea, with or without vomiting.
  *A low-grade fever may be present: above normal, but below 104 degrees F.
  *A rapid pulse.
• In HEATSTROKE, you’ll see the same signs as in heat exhaustion, since heat exhaustion is a precursor of heatstroke. The addition of a few much more ominous symptoms makes heatstroke a very dangerous condition:
  *A body temperature of greater than 104 degrees F is a direct indicator of heatstroke.
  *Changes in the victim’s mental state may range from irritability, mild confusion, and disorientation to a comatose state.
  *Rapid breathing
  *Fainting
  *In some cases, the victim may experience seizures.

• Cease all activity, and find a shady, cool spot to sit and rest.
• Get something to drink: NO ALCOHOL OR CAFFEINATED DRINKS. Drink clear juice (such as apple) or a sports drink, like Gatorade. Drink plain water if nothing else is available.
• Forget any strenuous activity for the rest of the day. Not letting your body recover could lead to more heat cramps, or even heat exhaustion.
• If your heat cramps don’t go away within an hour, call your doctor for medical advice.

• Move the victim to a cool area—preferable in an air-conditioned environment, but at least, a shady spot out of the sun.
• Loosen or remove any restrictive clothing.
• Have the victim lie down in a comfortable position. Slightly elevate the victim’s legs.
• Give the victim something to drink: as above, NO alcohol or caffeine. Avoid carbonation. A sports drink or water is best. Try to find something cold for the victim to drink, but do not put ice in the drink.
• Misting the victim’s body with cool water gives the body a way to evaporate more heat, causing more rapid cooling of the body.
• The victim may be placed in a cool (NOT COLD) tub of water. Monitor the victim at all times for changes in consciousness.
• Monitor the victim for any worsening of symptoms, or the addition of additional symptoms. Heat exhaustion, if left untreated, can turn into heatstroke.

• CALL 911. Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition.
• Follow the above instructions for heat exhaustion.
• Cover the victim with damp sheets or other damp materials.
• DO NOT put a victim of heatstroke in the tub—changes in mental status or consciousness may cause the victim to injure himself.
• DO NOT give the victim anything to eat or drink if there are changes in the victim’s mental state or consciousness.

• If your heat cramps don’t go away with one hour of their onset.
• If symptoms of heat exhaustion don’t go away, or worsen.
• If you suspect heatstroke.
• If the victim is very young, or very old.
• If the victim has any type of heart disease or other serious medical condition.

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