With summer in full swing kids and adults alike head outside to parks, pools and other activities exposing everyone to the heat that seems to be setting in, it is important during these warm weather days we all understand and recognize when someone is having a heat-related emergency.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can affect anyone at any age and can be fatal if not recognized and treated.
Heat cramps are less severe, but can be an early warning that your body is overheating. Symptoms are muscle cramps or spasms, which typically occur in the legs, arms and stomach. If you are experiencing cramps, seek someplace cool and shaded. You can remove unnecessary clothing and sip fluids, preferably sports drinks that will have sodium and other electrolytes that will replenish and rehydrate your body. It is recommended if these cramps last longer than an hour, you should seek medical treatment.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the two heat emergencies that most commonly send people to the emergency room. While heat stroke is far more life threatening and is an emergent condition, heat exhaustion is important to recognize because when it is not treated, it will eventually progress to heat stroke.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion, what to do
Heat exhaustion is characterized by heavy sweating, elevated body temp, clammy and pale skin, extreme thirst, irritability, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, nausea and headache. Although individuals experiencing heat exhaustion may look uncomfortable or “sick,” they are still able to have conversation with others, they are typically not confused and will remain conscious. Some of us may not even realize we are experiencing heat exhaustion when we start having the symptoms. If you observe the symptoms in someone, or yourself, seek medical care immediately.
Take the person with symptoms of heat exhaustion to an air conditioned environment if one is available; if not get them to a cool, shaded area. Have the person remove all unnecessary clothing such as shoes, socks, shirts or jackets. Immediately call 911 if you cannot get the person to a clinic or emergency room quickly on your own.
Give the person cool water and have them take small, frequent sips. Apply cool compresses or wet clothing to forehead, arm pits, and groin area if possible. If you have dialed 911, wait with the person until medical care arrives. Try to keep the person calm and awake.
People experiencing heat stroke will have symptoms that can include confusion or altered mental status, slurred speech, hot dry skin, seizures, body temperature above 103 degrees and loss of consciousness. People with any of these symptoms need emergent medical care. Call 911 immediately.
Find shade, remove outers layers of clothing, keep air moving
Always stay with the person who is having the medical emergency until help has arrived. Get the person into the shade and remove outer layers of clothing. Cool them quickly with cold water or ice, again placing it in the arm pits, groin and along their core. Try to move the air around them to cool their body faster. If the person is having a seizure, protect them from further injury by clearing the area. If there is loss of consciousness and the individual stops breathing or their heart beat stops, someone should begin CPR until help arrives.
People of all ages are at risk for these conditions, but the most vulnerable are infants to age 4 years old, and adults over 65. People with certain pre-existing conditions and those who are overweight are also at an increased risk for heat-related illnesses and emergencies. While these conditions are preventable, heat emergencies account for approximately 1,220 deaths a year (CDC.gov, 2024).
There are simple ways to prevent these heat emergencies. Keep track of weather patterns and avoid lengthy outdoor activities during extreme heat waves. Heat waves are considered to be 2-3 day periods where both humidity and temperature are greater than 90. If you are going to be outside for a long period of time, wear light weight clothing and sunscreen, and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
Do not leave people in non-air conditioned cars. If you are able, take frequent breaks in air conditioned places, or in shaded areas. It is also important to pace your activities and try to complete tasks during cooler times of the day.
There are multiple agencies throughout Ashland County that are offering their facilities as cooling places during extreme periods of heat if you do not have air conditioning. For more information on heat related emergencies you can visit www.cdc.gov.
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