Heat and Sun
Hot weather triggers a variety of medical emergencies.
Even healthy people should take it easy during extremely
high temperatures, and those with respiratory and
other health problems must be especially careful.
Stay out of the sun as much as possible. Drink extra
fluids, but avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can
cause dehydration.
The best ways to prevent a sun-stress emergency
are:
- Drink before you are thirsty and drink often
to replace body electrolytes
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Wear a ventilated, wide-brimmed hat or cap,
keep the neck covered and wear loose fitting
clothing.
- If you can, work in the cool hours of the
day or evening.
Heat-related injuries fall into three major categories:
Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, and Heatstroke.
Heat Cramps - are muscular pains and
spasms that occur when the body loses electrolytes
during profuse sweating or when inadequate electrolytes
are taken into the body. They usually begin in
the arms, legs or abdomen, and often precede heat
exhaustion. A person suffering from heat cramp(s)
should rest in the shade, get near a fan, spray
the affected area(s) with water and massage the
cramp(s).
Heat Exhaustion - is a medical
emergency. When a person is suffering from heat
exhaustion,
he or she will perspire profusely and most likely
will be pale. A person suffering from heat exhaustion
should relocate to a cool place, apply cool compresses,
elevate the feet and drink plenty of fluids.
Heatstroke - is the most serious
heat-related injury because the brain loses its
ability to regulate
body temperature. The person will be hot, reddish
and warm to the touch. The person’s temperature
will be markedly high and there will be no perspiration.
This is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1! The emergency
care of heatstroke is to cool the body as quickly
as possible. One of the best methods for cooling
the body during a heat emergency is to wrap the
person in cool, wet sheets.
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