Heat Emergencies can be Deadly

By Marcy Schlaufman, RN, M.Ed

Extremely high temperatures are affecting countries around the world this summer. According

to the CDC, an average of 702 heat-related deaths occur in the U.S. every year with an estimated 68,000

Americans seen in the emergency room for heat-related illnesses. The summer heat is in full swing with

the official last day of summer being September 23 this year. If you are spending time outside this

summer, being prepared with an awareness of heat illnesses could save your life or the life of someone

you know. Exposure to abnormal or prolonged periods of heat (dry heat or humid) without relief or

adequate fluid intake can jeopardize life.

Heat illness results as the body becomes unable to bear the heat load of the environment. The

CDC reports that prolonged exposure to high heat can start with heat rash or sunburn. Advancing in

safety concerns are heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and ultimately heat stroke. These latter conditions

are serious and should be treated as a health emergency.

A heat rash shows up as clusters of small blisters that appear like pimples on the skin. They

usually appear on the neck, chest, groin, and/or elbow creases. Go to a cool setting, keep the rash dry,

and apply powder, such as baby powder for comfort. Sunburn is painful, red, and warm skin. Get out of

the sun, take a cool bath, apply moisturizing lotion or aloe, drink extra water, and do not break any

blisters.

Heat cramps are muscle pain or spasms that result from intense exercise and sweating. They

can be caused by extreme dehydration and an imbalance in the body’s sodium levels. Stop all physical

activity, move to a cool place, remove excess clothing, and lie down. Drink water, clear juice, or a sports

drink with salt and sugar. Resume outside activities only after the cramps have subsided. Seek medical

attention for cramps lasting longer than an hour, if you are on a low-sodium diet, or if you have heart

problems.

Some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion are high body temperature, heavy sweating,

dizziness, nausea, headache, extreme thirst, fatigue, decreased urine output, and a weak and rapid

pulse. Cool, moist, pale skin with goosebumps and a normal body temperature can also be an

indication of heat exhaustion. Treat heat exhaustion as mentioned for heat cramps and spray or sponge

the victim’s body with cool water. Call 911 for a worsening condition such as fainting, vomiting,

agitation, confusion, seizures, inability to drink, and a core body temperature of 104 degrees F.

Recovering from heat exhaustion can take several days.

The most serious of heat illnesses is heat stroke; it is the next level of heat complications after

unresolved heat exhaustion. The body can no longer control its temperature, the temperature is rapidly

rising, and the sweating safety mechanism fails (no sweating) which impairs the body’s ability to cool

itself. The body’s temperature can rise to 104 degrees F or higher in 10-15 minutes. The symptoms are

the same for heat exhaustion, now with possible rapid breathing, flushed/dry skin, racing heart rate,

throbbing headache, slurred speech, delirium, staggering, and irritability. Heat stroke can cause

permanent damage to body organs (including the brain), coma, or death. This is a medical emergency;

act quickly, call 911, or get medical care immediately. First aid while waiting for medical care includes

moving the affected person to a cool area, removing tight or extra clothing, and elevating their feet.

Wrap them in a cool wet sheet, or sponge them with cool water, and use a fan. Place cold water bottles

in the armpits, wrists, on the back of the neck, and at the groin. Complications from heat stroke can last

months in a survivor.

Prevention of heat illnesses includes drinking plenty of fluids during outdoor activities (even

sunbathing). The best fluids are water and de-caffeinated sports drinks that contain electrolytes. Avoid

alcohol and drinks with caffeine such as tea, coffee, and colas which could lead to dehydration. Wear

light-colored, lightweight, and loose-fitting clothing. Use sunglasses, hats, umbrellas, and sunscreen with

an SPF of at least 15. Plan your strenuous activities for cooler times of the day; monitor weather

forecasts. Take frequent rest breaks in shady or cool areas. Try to spend as much time in the cool

indoors as possible during extremely hot days. Remember not to leave children, the elderly, or pets in

the car in the summertime. The National Weather Service states the temperatures inside a vehicle can

reach 120 degrees F in minutes and can approach 150 degrees F in less than an hour. Be heat-wise,

enjoy summer activities, and stay safe.

*This article is a general guide for heat-related illnesses and first aid awareness. It is not intended to

replace medical advice and/or treatment.