HEAT CRAMPS, EXHAUSTION, STROKE

HOW TO RECOGNIZE THEM & WHAT TO DO

THE HEAT EQUATION

HIGH TEMPERATURE + HIGH HUMIDITY + PHYSICAL ACTIVITY =

HEAT ILLNESS

When the body gains heat faster than it can get rid of it, serious and potentially fatal heat illnesses may occur.

HEAT CRAMPS

DESCRIPTION: Painful muscle spasms caused by loss of salt from excessive sweating.

SYMPTOMS: Muscular pain and excessive sweating

WHAT TO DO:

• Get victim to rest in a cool place
• Give victim cool drinks sprinkled with salt and salty foods, but not salt tablets
• Remove wet or tight clothing that may restrict flow of blood to affected area
• Rest alone isn't enough. If cramps continue, seek medical help

HEAT EXHAUSTION

DESCRIPTION: A more advanced and serious stage of heat stress

SYMPTOMS:

• General fatigue, weakness and poor muscle control
• Dizziness, fainting
• Headache, nausea
• Pale, cool, clammy skin
• Heavy sweating
• Cramps
• Rapid pulse, shallow breathing

WHAT TO DO:

• Heat exhaustion is life-threatening. Get medical help at once
• Check victim's airway, breathing and circulation. Give CPR, if needed
• Cool victim with sponge or spray, covering with cold wet cloths, placing ice packs under armpits and groin, and fanning
• Move victim to cool area
• Loosen or remove outer clothing
• If victim is conscious, give him cool drinks with salt sprinkled in and salty foods but not salt tablets

HEAT STROKE

DESCRIPTION: A condition in which the body's temperature rises above 41oC and which if not treated immediately may result in coma, brain damage or death

SYMPTOMS:

• Hot, dry flushed skin, usually with no sweating
• Agitation and confusion
• Headache, nausea and vomiting
• Irregular pulse
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Possible seizure and loss of consciousness
• Possible shock and cardiac arrest

WHAT TO DO

• Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Get medical help at once
• Check victim's airway, breathing and circulation. Give CPR, if needed
• Cool victim with sponge or spray, covering with cold wet cloths, placing ice packs under armpits and groin, and fanning
• Move victim to cool area
• Loosen or remove outer clothing
• If victim is conscious, give him cool drinks with salt sprinkled in and salty foods but not salt tablets

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST HEAT STRESS

• Learn to recognize the symptoms of heat stress and how to treat them
• Understand that you're at particular risk if you're overweight, out of shape, over 40 years of age, have pre-existing medical conditions, use medication that block sweating, abuse drugs or alcohol or have had heat stress before
• Try to do the most physically demanding jobs during the coolest part of the day
• On hot days, drink about two glasses (1/2 litre) of water before starting work and one glass every 20 minutes while working
• Wear loose clothes made of cotton, silk and other fabrics that let air pass through. If working outside, wear lighter colors that reflect rather than absorb heat
• Wear temperature-controlled and/or anti-radiant heat or reflective clothing if instructed
• Take frequent breaks in a cool spot

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