With summer upon us, it is important to recognize heat-related illness and how to deal with it. Heat waves have caused at least 28 deaths this summer and temperatures are expected to rise for the remainder of the summer. Millions of people across the U.S. have been under heat alerts due to these heat waves.
The human body is normally able to regulate its temperature through sweating, until it is exposed to more heat than it can handle. During periods of extreme heat, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can escalate rapidly, leading to delirium, organ damage and even death.
People who are most at risk for heat-related illness include the following:
- Those who work in the heat
- Infants and young children, especially if left in hot cars
- People 65 and older
- People who are ill, have chronic health conditions or are on certain medications
- People who are overweight
Heat Safety While Working Outdoors
If your job requires you to work outside in hot weather, you and your supervisors can take precautions to minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses. OSHA says to:
- Work shorter shifts until workers have adjusted to the heat
- Stay hydrated and drink water before you get thirsty
- Watch out for co-workers exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke
- Take time to rest and cool down
Knowing the symptoms and proper response to these illnesses can save your life or the life of a co-worker. There are several types of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Exhaustion is when the body loses excessive water and salt, usually due to sweating. This is when heat exhaustion can occur. Heat exhaustion is one of three major heat-related illnesses. The other two are heat cramps, which are less serious, and heat stroke, which is the most serious.
Heat exhaustion is strongly related to the heat index, which is a measurement of how hot you feel when the effects of relative humidity and air temperature are combined. The risk of heat-related illness dramatically increases when the heat index climbs to 90 degrees or more. So, it's important, especially during heat waves, to pay attention to the reported heat index and remember that the heat index is even higher when you are in full sunshine.
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Pale, ashen or moist skin
- Muscle cramps (especially for those working or exercising outdoors in high temperatures)
- Fatigue, weakness or exhaustion
- Headache, dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
Uncontrolled heat exhaustion can evolve into heat stroke, so make sure to treat victims quickly:
- Move victims to a shaded or air-conditioned area
- Give water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages
- Apply wet towels, or have victims take a cool shower
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is more serious and life-threatening. Seek medical help immediately if someone is suffering from heat stroke.
Signs can include:
- Body temperature above 103 degrees
- Skin that is flushed, dry and hot to the touch; sweating has usually stopped
- Rapid breathing
- Headache, dizziness, confusion or other signs of altered mental status
- Irrational or belligerent behavior
- Convulsions or unresponsiveness
Immediately act if heat stroke is suspected by doing the following:
- Call 911
- Move the victim to a cool place
- Remove unnecessary clothing
- Immediately cool the victim, preferably by immersing up to the neck in cold water (with the help of a second rescuer)
- If immersion in cold water is not possible, place the victim in a cold shower or move to a cool area and cover as much of the body as possible with cold, wet towels
- Keep cooling until body temperature drops to 101 degrees
- Monitor the victim's breathing and be ready to give CPR if needed
DO NOT:
- Force the victim to drink liquids
- Apply rubbing alcohol to the skin
- Allow victims to take pain relievers or salt tablets
The best way to avoid a heat-related illness is to limit exposure outdoors during hot days. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Air conditioning is the best way to cool off
- Drink fluids, even if you don鈥檛 feel thirsty, and avoid alcohol
- Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a hat
- Replace salt lost from sweating by drinking fruit juice or sports drinks
- Avoid spending time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Wear sunscreen; sunburn affects the body's ability to cool itself
- Pace yourself when you run or otherwise exert your body
Any questions, please contact EHS at tstyran1@kent.edu.