Heat Stroke & Heat Exhaustion

Heat Stroke & Heat Exhaustion

It’s time for all of us to become familiar with the symptoms and the treatment for two hot weather dangers; heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

• Any time you’re working in hot weather, you may be affected by heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

• It is important that all of us know the symptoms and emergency treatment for these two illnesses.

Learn the symptoms and treatment of HEAT STROKE.

• Heat stroke is life-threatening.

• The symptoms of heat stroke often appear quite suddenly and are characterized by collapse, delirium or coma. Characteristics include lack of sweating; dry, hot, red skin; flushed face; rapid pulse; headaches; dizziness; irritability; nausea; vomiting; and high body temperature.

• The heat stroke victim should be taken to a doctor IMMEDIATELY. Attempts should be made to lower the body temperature. This can be done by moving the patient to a shaded area, removing outer clothing, and applying cool water to the entire body. A fine spray of water evaporates more rapidly and produces a better cooling effect.

Learn the symptoms and treatment of HEAT EXHAUSTION.

• The symptoms of heat exhaustion are different from heat stroke. The victim’s skin is normally cold, clammy and covered with perspiration. The face is pale. Other symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, drowsiness, cramps, faintness or unconsciousness. The pupils sometimes become dilated.

• To treat heat exhaustion, more the victim to shaded area, keep the victim lying down with legs slightly elevated, and give the victim small amounts of water. Take the victim to a doctor for care.