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Heat related injuries

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Ryan Maxwell
Ryan Maxwell

Extreme heat can cause heat-related illnesses and death if the body is unable to cool itself. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body's cooling mechanisms fail, causing symptoms like clammy skin, dizziness, and nausea. Heat stroke is the most severe form and is a medical emergency, with symptoms like confusion, lack of sweating, and body temperature over 105 degrees. To prevent heat illness, spend time in air conditioning, drink fluids, and monitor for symptoms in yourself and others during periods of high heat.

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The heat is on….. So Be Careful!
FACTS Although heat-related illness and death are readily preventable, exposure to extremely high temperatures caused an annual average of 381 deaths in the US during 1979-96.
More Facts If muscles are being used for physical labor, less blood is available to flow to the skin and release heat If body can’t dispose of excess heat, it will store it. When this happens the body’s core temperature rises and the heart rate increases.
More Don’t use the feeling of thirst as an indicator that you need water. You can deplete as much as 30% of your body’s water before you feel thirsty. Drink plenty of water before, during and after time spent in the heat. Individuals vary in their tolerance to heat stress conditions
Heat Exhaustion Occurs when the heart and vascular system do not respond properly to high temperatures, and the mechanisms our body uses to cool itself fails Symptoms include cool, clammy, pale skin; Sweating, dry mouth, fatigue, weakness Dizziness nausea, muscle cramps
If you suspect that someone is suffering from heat exhaustion: • get them to a cool spot • lay the person down • elevate the feet • loosen clothing • give cool (not iced) water
Contributing Factors Obesity Alcohol consumption Caffeine Certain medications Previous heatstroke Age Several days of sustained exposure to hot temperatures
Heat Syncope Usually occurs in individuals standing erect and immobile in the heat. The person recovers rapidly after lying down
Heat Cramps Painful muscle cramps/spasms in person sweating profusely It occurs when large volumes of water are consumed without adequate salt replacement. Usually resolves after an electrolyte beverage.
This is the most severe form of heat-related illness. Heat Stroke IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY! It is often fatal It is preventable
Symptoms of Heat Stroke Altered mental state Confusion delirious Lack of sweating Body temperature > 105 degrees Cyanosis (blue) or red hot skin
Treatment CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY! Cool body - pour cool water over person Place ice pack behind neck - under arms
Prevention Spending time in air- conditioned environments Increase nonalcoholic/ Non-caffeinated fluid intake Monitor urine output
More Persons working either indoors or outdoors in high temperatures should take special precautions including allowing 10 -14 days to acclimate to high temperatures Salt tablets are not recommended and may be hazardous to many people
Underestimate the seriousness of heat illness Give the victim medications to reduce fever Give the victim liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine Give anything by mouth if HEAT STROKE is suspected

More Related Content

Heat related injuries

  • 1. The heat is on….. So Be Careful!
  • 2. FACTS Although heat-related illness and death are readily preventable, exposure to extremely high temperatures caused an annual average of 381 deaths in the US during 1979-96.
  • 3. More Facts If muscles are being used for physical labor, less blood is available to flow to the skin and release heat If body can’t dispose of excess heat, it will store it. When this happens the body’s core temperature rises and the heart rate increases.
  • 4. More Don’t use the feeling of thirst as an indicator that you need water. You can deplete as much as 30% of your body’s water before you feel thirsty. Drink plenty of water before, during and after time spent in the heat. Individuals vary in their tolerance to heat stress conditions
  • 5. Heat Exhaustion Occurs when the heart and vascular system do not respond properly to high temperatures, and the mechanisms our body uses to cool itself fails Symptoms include cool, clammy, pale skin; Sweating, dry mouth, fatigue, weakness Dizziness nausea, muscle cramps
  • 6. If you suspect that someone is suffering from heat exhaustion: • get them to a cool spot • lay the person down • elevate the feet • loosen clothing • give cool (not iced) water
  • 7. Contributing Factors Obesity Alcohol consumption Caffeine Certain medications Previous heatstroke Age Several days of sustained exposure to hot temperatures
  • 8. Heat Syncope Usually occurs in individuals standing erect and immobile in the heat. The person recovers rapidly after lying down
  • 9. Heat Cramps Painful muscle cramps/spasms in person sweating profusely It occurs when large volumes of water are consumed without adequate salt replacement. Usually resolves after an electrolyte beverage.
  • 10. This is the most severe form of heat-related illness. Heat Stroke IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY! It is often fatal It is preventable
  • 11. Symptoms of Heat Stroke Altered mental state Confusion delirious Lack of sweating Body temperature > 105 degrees Cyanosis (blue) or red hot skin
  • 12. Treatment CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY! Cool body - pour cool water over person Place ice pack behind neck - under arms
  • 13. Prevention Spending time in air- conditioned environments Increase nonalcoholic/ Non-caffeinated fluid intake Monitor urine output
  • 14. More Persons working either indoors or outdoors in high temperatures should take special precautions including allowing 10 -14 days to acclimate to high temperatures Salt tablets are not recommended and may be hazardous to many people
  • 15. Underestimate the seriousness of heat illness Give the victim medications to reduce fever Give the victim liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine Give anything by mouth if HEAT STROKE is suspected

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