Monday – Heat and Humidity

Now that summer is here we can get outside and enjoy the sunshine; however, with the warmth of summer comes the risk of heat stress. This week’s topic is a review of heat stress and the measures you can take to stay safe.

There are many activities and conditions that can pose heat stress risks:

• Soaring temperature
• Strenuous physical activity
• Working in hot conditions

When your body is at risk of a heat induced illness, it will tell you. Heat stress symptoms are visible; you just need to know what conditions to watch out for. Over the next few days we will learn about heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other heat related conditions to look for. 

Tuesday - Heat Exhaustion

While they may be easy to brush off, the symptoms of heat exhaustion should not be taken lightly. Heat exhaustion may show itself as headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, moist skin, irritability, confusion, or vomiting.

If you, or someone around you, shows signs of heat exhaustion, you should:

• Act immediately.  If not treated, heat exhaustion may advance to heat stroke or death.
• Move the victim to a cool, shaded area to rest. Do not leave them alone.
• If symptoms include dizziness or lightheadedness, lay the victim on their back and raise the legs 6-8 inches.
• If symptoms include nausea or upset stomach, lay the victim on their side.
• Loosen and remove any heavy clothing.
• Stay hydrated!
• Fan or spray with cool water and apply a wet cloth to the forehead and neck.

If the condition does not improve, call 911.

Wednesday - Heat Stroke

Heat stroke may show symptoms of hot skin with no sweating, mental confusion, a loss of consciousness, or seizures/convulsions.

If you, or someone around you, are showing shows heat stroke symptoms, do the following immediately:

• Move them to a cool, shaded area to rest.  Do not leave them alone 
• If symptoms include dizziness or lightheadedness, lay the victim on their back and raise the legs 6-8 inches.
• If symptoms include nausea or upset stomach, lay the victim on their side.
• Loosen and remove any heavy clothing.
• Stay hydrated.
• Fan or spray with cool water and apply a wet cloth to the forehead and neck.
• Place ice packs under the armpits and groin area.

If the condition does not improve, call 911.

Thursday - Other Things to Watch Out For

Heat Cramps are painful spasms of the muscles that are caused from drinking large quantities of water but not replacing the bodies’ salt loss. Tired muscles are usually most susceptible to cramps. Cramps may occur during or after working hours and may be relieved by refueling electrolytes or through IV saline solutions for quicker relief, if medically required.

Heat Rash can occur in hot and humid environments where sweat is not easily removed from the surface of the skin by evaporation. It can be prevented by resting in a cool place and allowing the skin to dry. 

Fainting can be a problem for people who are not used to a hot environment and who frequently stand still. Victims usually recover quickly after a brief period of lying down. Moving around usually reduces the possibility of fainting.

Friday - What Do We Need to do to Stay Safe?

You can protect yourself and those around you by:

• Recognizing signs and symptoms and responding appropriately.
• Performing difficult tasks during cooler parts of the day.
• Build up tolerance to the heat slowly.
• Drink plenty of cool water, about 1 cup every 15-20 minutes. Caffeine, high sugar sodas, and alcohol actually work against the body in high temperatures.
• Wear light, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing.
• Take frequent breaks in a shaded area to allow the body to cool down.
• Avoid eating large meals before working in hot environments.