Heat Related Illnesses

Heat Disorder

Symptoms

First Aid

Sunburn:

Over exposure of the skin to ultraviolet (UV) rays found in sunlight

• Redness and pain
• In severe cases, swelling of skin, blisters, fever and headaches

• Leave water blisters intact to speed healing and avoid infection
• If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing
• Serious cases should be seen by a physician

Heat Cramps:

A form of muscle cramps brought on by exertion and insufficient salt

• Painful muscle spasms, usually in the legs but possible in abdomen
• Heavy sweating

• Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles
• Massage muscle in spasm gently
• Give sips of water
• If nausea occurs, discontinue sips of water

Heat Exhaustion:

Excessive water loss

• Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy
• Pulse thready
• Fainting and vomiting
• Core temperature usually 38.8 Celsius or higher, but normal temperature possible

• Get person out of sun
• Move person to a cooler environment
• Lay person down and loosen clothing
• Apply cool wet cloths
• Give sips of water
• If nausea occurs, discontinue sips of water
• If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention

Heat Stroke or Sunstroke:

Failure of body’s heat controlling mechanisms

This is an EMERGENCY!

• High body temperature (41 degrees Celsius or higher)
• Hot, dry skin
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Possible unconsciousness
• If conscious, mental status could range from:  incoherent speech, disoriented, confused, can be aggressive

• Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency
• Get medical assistance or get the victim to a hospital immediately
• Delay can be fatal
• If unable to get victim to professional help immediately, do the following:

Get person out of sun
Move the person to a cooler environment/air conditioned room
Remove outer clothing
Reduce body temperature with lukewarm bath or sponging
Do not give fluids