Heat Exhaustion

Heat Exhaustion

Over exertion comes in several ways. Heavy lifting, stretching, straining, and disregard for proper and good health habits.

Because in July when the days are long and hot, we should think about the things that could happen while working in a hot place-exposing ourselves to too much heat so we can take measures to guard against it.

Recognizing the first symptom of heat exhaustion is important, so proper first aid measures can be taken. The first signs are usually weakness, dizziness, nausea, and staggering. Frequently, the person vomits freely, the face is pale, and he will sweat profusely. Pulse is usually weak, and breathing is shallow. The patient may be unconscious, or may faint unless he lies down. Usually this faintness soon passes, but in severe cases, it remains and death may follow.

When a person shows these symptoms of heat exhaustion, he should be removed immediately to a place where the air is circulating freely. He should be treated for shock by making him lie down, keeping him comfortably warm, and by administering stimulants, such as....warm coffee or tea. Give table salt at the rate of one-half teaspoonful per cup of liquid. There is little danger that a person will become nauseated from salt and water when suffering from heat exhaustion.

It may be easier to give salt water instead of granulated salt. In this case, a teaspoonful of salt should be added to a pint of water, and small drinks of salt water should be taken at frequent intervals. If the heat exhaustion symptoms do not pass away readily, a doctor should be called. The dangers from heat exhaustion are not nearly so great as the dangers from sunstroke or heat stroke. Immediate first aid must be given whenever a person is overcome by the heat. Careful attention to first aid measures will result in rapid recovery without permanent effects. Finally, always keep in mind that the symptoms of heat exhaustion are different from the symptoms of sunstroke or heat stroke and that the first aid treatments to be applied are correspondingly different.