Heat Exhaustion

"It's too darn hot..." - Cole Porter song "Too Darn Hot"

Yesterday's post focused mostly on Heat Stroke, the deadly stage of heat related illnesses. Today I'd like to spend more time on Heat Exhaustion and how to treat it. Hopefully you'll spot Heat Exhaustion when it occurs and prevent it from progressing to Heat Stroke.

Recognizing Heat Exhaustion
Warning signs of heat exhaustion include:

• heavy sweating
• paleness
• muscle cramps
• tiredness or weakness
• dizziness or headache
• dark urine
• fast heartbeat
• nausea or vomiting (call 911)
• fainting (call 911)

Treatment for Heat Exhaustion
Help the victim to cool off with:

• Cool, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated, beverages.
• Cool shower, bath, or sponge bath. Outdoors: Gently spray with a hose.
• Get to an air-conditioned environment. At the very least find shade.
• Rest, lie down with feet slightly elevated.

Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than 30 minutes. If fever greater than 102 F (38.9 C), fainting, confusion or seizures occur, dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance.

Having heat exhaustion or heatstroke makes you more sensitive to hot conditions for about a week afterwards.

Bottom Line
If you lead or manage outdoor activities, memorize the symptoms and treatment for Heat Exhaustion so you can spot it and respond quickly. If you're a scout leader, sports coach, work crew chief, hiking guide, tour guide - this means you!

Sources
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/heat-exhaustion
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/firstaid/basics/088.html
http://www.medicinenet.com/heat_exhaustion/article.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-heat-exhaustion/FA00020