Lesson 6: HEAT ILLNESS

HYPOTHERMIA AND PREVENTION OF HEAT ILLNESS

Hypothermia in the summertime? Can’t be true…can it? Yes, it can. And if you think about it, I bet you can figure out why. Before reading this section, go to the discussions and post your theory on why and how hypothermia could reasonably occur in the summertime.



Now that you’ve all come up with your own theories on why and how hypothermia can occur in the summertime, let’s talk about how hypothermia can actually occur during the summer:

CAUSES

• The number one cause of hypothermia in the summertime is NEAR-DROWNING. How many of you guessed correctly? How many of you paid attention to lesson 5? Think about it: The temperature of most water (unless it’s a heated pool or hot tub) is nowhere near body temperature. Near-drowning victims spend an extended period of time in water that is considerably colder than body temperature, leading to a substantial drop in body temperature. If the victim spends enough time in cold water, it doesn’t matter if the air temperature is 9 degrees, or 90 degrees.
• Another cause of hypothermia in the summertime is unpreparedness when exposed to cold temperatures occurring at night during the summertime. A good example of this is the camper who packs supplies only for hot weather. You may be in an area where the daytime temperatures are very hot, but what of the nighttime temperatures? Some areas experience a dramatic drop in temperature in the evenings and nights. If you spend the night in a tent with nothing but a thin blanket to keep you warm, what happens if the temperature drops down to 40 or 50 degrees? You run the risk of hypothermia. Many cases of mild hypothermia (especially in a situation such as this) go unnoticed, but you need to be aware of the risks of hypothermia, since mild hypothermia can become worse, if ignored.

• Shivering occurs when the body is cold, and tries to generate heat.
• Rigid muscles are also seen in hypothermia, and are another way the body generates heat.
• Numbness occurs when the body’s circulation slows down, in response to the drop in body temperature.
• An erratic heartbeat can occur due to dehydration caused by hypothermia.
• Confusion and changes in consciousness can occur due to the decrease in circulation.

• Call 911 if symptoms are severe.
• Move to a warm location.
• Lie down to avoid exertion and further loss of body heat.
• Remove any wet clothes. Do not attempt to rapidly rewarm by taking a hot bath, drinking hot liquids, or wrapping in hot towels. Rewarming is best done gradually.
• If the victim has been in a near-drowning incident, call 911 IMMEDIATELY and follow first aid guidelines for near-drowning.

• When you’re exercising in hot weather, be sure to know your limits. Don’t push yourself if you feel you’re overheating.
• Avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after any activity in hot weather. Remember the rules: NO alcohol, NO caffeine, NO carbonation. Water, sports drinks, and clear juices are the best choices to keep you well hydrated.
• In times of extreme heat (a Heat Index of 90 degrees or more), stay out of the sun altogether, and limit activity.

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