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Weather Safety - Extreme Heat
- Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated,
or resceduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk
should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
- Dress for summer. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects
heat and sunlight and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
- Put less fuels on your inner fires. Foods (like proteins) that
increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
- Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic fluids. Your body
needs water to keep cool.
- Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. Persons
who (1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, (2)
are on fluid-restrictive diets, or (3) have a problem with fluid
retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption
of fluids.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
- Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician. Persons
on salt-restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing
their salt intake.
- Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning
in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the
heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time
each day (during hot weather) in an air-conditioned environment
affords some protection.
- Don't get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation
that much more difficult.
Heat Disorder
|
Symptoms |
|
Sunburn |
cases, swelling of skin, blisters, fever and headaches. |
Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break.
If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive
cases should be seen by a physician. |
Heat Cramps |
Painful spasms usually in the muscles of the legs and abdomen
possible. Heavy sweating. |
Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve
spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. |
Heat Exhaustion |
Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale, and clammy. Pulse
thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting.
|
Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply
cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned room.
Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting
continues, seek immediate medical attention. |
HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke) |
High body temperature (106 degrees F or higher). Hot, dry
skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness |
Heat Stroke is a SEVERE MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Summon emergency
medical assistance or get the victim to a hospical IMMEDIATELY.
Any Delay Can Be Fatal.
Move the victim to a cooler
environment. Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging.
Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners.
If body temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give
fluids.
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* For more information, contact your local
American Red Cross Chapter. Ask to enroll in a first aid course
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