Heat Stroke Prevention

Heat Stroke

Most severe form of heat illness when the body overheats and can’t cool down. The body cannot take off the excessive heat from the body by sweating because of dehydration and/or humid environment.

Causes

• the risk of heat stroke goes way up in hot and humid weather
• vigorous exercise in hot weather
• if you’re dehydrated
• if you’ve had too much direct exposure to the sun

Signs

May start with the following signs of heat exhaustion:

• warm, flushed skin
• faintness
• dizziness
• weakness
• headache

May progress to an emergency condition of heat stroke:

• very high fever of 41 C
• rapid heartbeat
• convulsion
• delirium
• unconscious

Treatment

Emergency measures:
• Move the person to a shady spot or indoors and have them lie down with their legs elevated. If they’re conscious, have them sip cool water.
• Remove clothing, apply cool water to the skin and fan them.
• Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles and groin.



Prevention of Heat Stroke

It is possible to avoid suffering the ill effects of heat related disorders by taking a few simple precautions.

Hydration
The easiest way to avoid Heat Stroke and other heat disorders is to keep your body well hydrated. This means drinking plenty of water before, during and after exposure to the elements. Sports drinks are a good choice if you’re exercising or working in hot conditions, but water works fine, too.

Ventilation
Staying in a place where there is plenty of airspace which will help allow your body to naturally cool itself. Sitting in a shaded, wide open area will help your body rid itself of heat through sweating. If you're indoors, always open windows, use a fan, central air or air conditioning during excessively hot days.

Clothing
What you wear can play a big factor in how your body will handle the heat. Light colored, loose fitting clothing will aid your body in breathing and cooling itself down naturally. Tight clothing restricts such a process and dark colors absorb the sun’s light and heat. It’s okay to wear a hat to shield yourself from the sun, but once you feel yourself getting warm, it’s best to remove any items that are covering your head. Continuing to wear head garments will only keep more heat trapped inside of your body.

Limit Yourself
Watching how much activity you’re participating in during hot days is also important. Don’t overdue it. Heat Stroke can set in in less than an hour. If you feel yourself getting warm or lightheaded, it’s best to take a time out and rest in the shade.