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James R, Ginder, MS, WEMT,PI, CHES Health Education Specialist Hamilton County Health Department www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov ---PAGE BREAK--- The participants will be able to… list three signs and of heat cramps. explain what heat stroke is. identify three signs and of heat exhaustion. list four ways to manage heat illness. describe three ways to prevent heat related illness. ---PAGE BREAK--- Who Is At Risk For Heat Illness… ●Infants and Children ●Elderly ●Person’s with these medical conditions are at risk: ●Heart disease ●COPD ●Diabetes ●Dehydration ●Obesity ●Limited mobility ●People who drink alcohol ●Medications can increase a person’s risk ---PAGE BREAK--- Loss Of Body Heat… ●Conduction: Transfer of heat from body to colder object. ●Convection: Transfer of heat through circulating air. ●Evaporation: Cooling of body through sweating. ---PAGE BREAK--- Loss Of Body Heat Cont… ●Radiation: Loss of body heat directly into a colder environment. ●Respirations: Loss of body heat during breathing. ---PAGE BREAK--- Body Temperature… ●Normal body temperature is 98.6ºF. ●Body attempts to maintain normal temperature despite ambient temperature. ●Body cools itself by sweating (evaporation) and dilation of blood vessels. ●High temperature and humidity decrease effectiveness of cooling mechanisms. ---PAGE BREAK--- Heat Cramps… • The exact cause of heat cramps is unknown, but it is probably related to electrolyte problems • Painful muscle spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs following strenuous activity. • Heat cramps usually affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. The sweating depletes the body's salt and moisture. The low salt level in the muscles causes painful cramps. ---PAGE BREAK--- Signs And Of Heat Cramps… ●Severe muscle cramps in legs and abdomen ●May feel faint ●Moist, pale or normal-to- cool skin ●Heavy sweating ---PAGE BREAK--- Care For Heat Cramps … ●Remove the patient from hot environment. ●Rest the cramping muscle. ●Replace fluids by mouth. ●If cramps persist, call 9-1-1. ---PAGE BREAK--- Heat Exhaustion… ●Is the most common serious illness caused by heat ●Onset while working hard or exercising in hot environment. ●Due to the body losing water and electrolytes through heavy sweating. ●In elderly and young, onset may occur while at rest in hot, humid, and poorly ventilated areas. ---PAGE BREAK--- Signs And Of Heat Exhaustion… ●Dizziness, weakness, or fainting ●Cold, clammy skin ●Dry tongue and thirst ●Nausea or headache ●Normal or elevated body temperature ●Decrease in consciousness ---PAGE BREAK--- Care For Heat Exhaustion… ●Call 9-1-1. ●Remove extra clothing and remove from hot environment. ●Cool the person down. ●Have patient lie down and elevate legs. . ●If patient is alert, give water slowly. ---PAGE BREAK--- Heatstroke… ●The least common but most serious illness. ●Occurs when the body is exposed to more heat than it can handle. ●Persons normal response to heat is overwhelmed. ●The body temperature rises rapidly to the level which tissues are destroyed. ---PAGE BREAK--- Heatstroke… ●Untreated, the person will die. ●Can develop in people during vigorous physical activity, when they are outside or in a closed, poorly ventilated, humid space. ●Most common cause of death in a heat wave. ---PAGE BREAK--- ●Skin may be moist or wet in early stage. ●Person can still have heat stroke if they are still sweating. ●Hot, dry, flushed skin ●Change in behavior leading to unresponsiveness ●Pulse rate is rapid, then slows. ●Death can occur if the patient is not treated. Signs And Of Heat Stroke… ---PAGE BREAK--- Care for Heat Stroke… ●Call 9-1-1 ●Move the person out of the hot environment. ●Set the air conditioning to maximum cooling. ●Remove the person’s clothing. ●Apply cool packs to the person neck, groin, and armpits. ●Cover the person with wet towels or spray the person with cool water and fan him or her to evaporate the dampness on the skin. ---PAGE BREAK--- How To Prevent Heat Illnesses… ●Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton. ●Avoid non-breathing clothing. ●Gradually build up to heavy work. ●Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day. ●Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity. ●Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible. ---PAGE BREAK--- How To Prevent Heat Illnesses … ●Drink water frequently. ●Drink enough water that you never become thirsty. ●Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar. ●Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress. ●Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers. ---PAGE BREAK--- How To Prevent Heat Illnesses … ---PAGE BREAK--- What Have You Learned…