Wednesday, July 19, 2011

More Heat, Be Prepared

Children, elderly, and obese people have a higher risk of developing heat illness. People taking certain medications or drinking alcohol also have a higher risk.

However, even a top athlete in superb condition can succumb to heat illness if he or she ignores the warning signs.

If the problem isn't addressed, heat cramps (caused by loss of salt from heavy sweating) can lead to heat exhaustion (caused by dehydration), which can progress to heatstroke.

Heatstroke, the most serious of the three, can cause shock, brain damage, organ failure, and even death.

Causes

The following are common causes of heat emergencies:

• Alcohol use
• Dehydration
• Heart disease
• High temperatures or humidity
• Medications such as diuretics, neuroleptics, phenothiazines, and anticholinergics
• Prolonged or excessive exercise
• Sweat gland problems
• Too much clothing

First Aid

1. Have the person lie down in a cool place. Raise the person's feet about 12 inches.
2. Apply cool, wet cloths (or cool water directly) to the person's skin and use a fan to lower body temperature. Place cold compresses on the person's neck, groin, and armpits.
3. If alert, give the person beverages to sip (such as Gatorade), or make a salted drink by adding a teaspoon of salt per quart of water. Give a half cup every 15 minutes. Cool water will do if salt beverages are not available.
4. For muscle cramps, give beverages as above and massage affected muscles gently, but firmly, until they relax.
5. If the person shows signs of shock (bluish lips and fingernails and decreased alertness), starts having seizures, or loses consciousness, call 911 and give first aid as needed.

Do Not

• Do NOT underestimate the seriousness of heat illness, especially if the person is a child, elderly, or injured.
• Do NOT give the person medications that are used to treat fever (such as aspirin or acetaminophen). They will not help, and they may be harmful.
• Do NOT give the person salt tablets.
• Do NOT give the person liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. They will interfere with the body's ability to control its internal temperature.
• Do NOT use alcohol rubs on the person's skin.
• Do NOT give the person anything by mouth (not even salted drinks) if the person is vomiting or unconscious.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if

Call 911 if:

• The person loses consciousness at any time.
• There is any other change in the person's alertness (for example, confusion or seizures).
• The person has a fever over 102 °F.
• Other symptoms of heatstroke are present (like rapid pulse or rapid breathing).
• The person's condition does not improve, or worsens despite treatment.
  

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