IF YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE ARE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING HEATSTROKE DIAL 911 IMMEDIATELY
Warmer months are upon us and with them come spending more time outside in the heat. Many forget that there are health risks involved with exposing your body to too much heat. In fact, many forget heat stroke can occur until it actually happens. While you’re out having fun, you need to remember to try to stay cool and take preventative measures against many health risks, including heat stroke. In case you or a loved one forgets to take precautions, be prepared with a heat stress kit.
Heatstroke Symptoms
Heatstroke is a type of hyperthermia that usually progresses from less severe hypothermia states. Hyperthermia is when your body is at an abnormally high body temperature with accompanying physical symptoms including apparent changes in your nervous system. Physical symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, flushed skin, increased heart rate, headaches, confusion or slurred speech, and high body temperature. For heat stroke, your body temperature will be 105ºF or higher. However, you may experience symptoms before your body reaches 105ºF. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is important that you take precautions immediately. Heatstroke is very serious and can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated.
Our bodies are usually able to release heat through our skin or by the evaporation of sweat; however, in extreme heat, high humidity, or extreme physical activity under the sun, our bodies may not be able to release enough heat. This causes our body temperatures to rise to abnormal temperatures, as high as 105 F or higher. Another reason we can become so hot is dehydration. If we don’t stay hydrated, our bodies can not always produce enough sweat to release our body heat. You must prioritize hydration, especially during the summer months. If you are expecting to do extreme physical activity, make sure to always have water available.
Those that are most at risk of heat stroke include infants, the elderly, athletes, and those who work outside. Those groups and the people around them should take extra precautions against heat stroke.
Heatstroke Treatment
If you suspect someone has heat stroke, you should call 911 immediately and provide first aid until the paramedics arrive. It is important to cool down whoever is experiencing heat stroke as fast as possible. Make sure to remove any excess clothing that they might have. Try to also cool the person in any way you can. Whether it is a cool tub of water or a garden hose, either will help lower their body temperature. You should also begin to apply heat stress products if you have them on hand. Some heat stress products include electrolyte replenisher and a heat stress kit. Both these products and many other first aid supplies can be found through Fieldtex Products Inc. For more information, check out http://www.e-firstaidsupplies.com/heat-stress-first-aid-kits.html.
References:
http://www.e-firstaidsupplies.com/heat-stress-first-aid-kits.html
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/heat-stroke-symptoms-and-treatment
18 Heat Stroke Symptoms
