| Heat Stress
How to Recognize it and 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 STROKE
Description: A condition in which the body’s temperature rises above 41°C 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.
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.
7 WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF- 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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