How to recognize and respond to heat-induced emergencies
Every year, more than 700 people in the United States die due to intense heat and heat-related conditions such as heat stroke. And as we hit the hottest parts of the summer months, it’s important to stay cool, stay hydrated and stay aware of the warning signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
This can be especially important for the very young and adults older than 65, as well as those taking certain medications.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition where the body overheats quickly and loses the ability to control its temperature. When this happens, a person’s temperature can rise to 106°F or higher in 10-15 minutes. Without emergency treatment, heat stroke can cause permanent disability and even death.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke
- Very high temperature
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Headache and/or nausea
- Confusion, dizziness, slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
What To Do
- Call 911 immediately!
- Move the person to a shaded, cool place and remove outer clothing
- Lower their temperature with a cold water or ice bath. If not available, wet their skin and soak their clothes with cold water and lay cold wet cloths on their skin
- Keep the air around them circulating
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and loses too much water and salt, such as through excessive sweating. Heat exhaustion is easily preventable and treatable but, if untreated, can easily progress into life-threatening heat stroke. It most often affects the elderly and those with high blood pressure.
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
Prevent Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke
It doesn’t take much to protect yourself against heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and a little common sense goes a long way.
- Drink plenty of water (and go easy on the alcohol)
- Rest often and cool off in the shade
- Wear loose-fitting and light clothing
- Avoid activity during the hottest part of the day, if possible
- High temperature
- Heavy sweating
- Headache and/or nausea
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Weakness
- Thirst
- Decreased urine output
What To Do
- Move to a shaded, cool place and loosen clothing
- Place cold wet cloths on the skin or lower temperature with a cool bath
- Sip water or sports drinks
- Seek immediate medical help if vomiting or if symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour!
Need Assistance?
Remember, if someone is suffering from heat stroke call 911 immediately.
For non-life-threatening injuries and conditions, seek medical attention at one of Sarasota Memorial’s six Urgent Care Centers located throughout the county.
Written by Sarasota Memorial copywriter Philip Lederer, MA, who crafts a variety of external communications for the healthcare system. SMH’s in-house wordsmith, Lederer earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration and Political Philosophy from Morehead State University, KY, and wears jeans to the beach.