Extreme heat carries the possibility of heat induced disease. The following chart enlists these diseases, their symptoms and first aid treatment.
|
Condition |
Symptoms |
First aid |
|
Sun burn |
Skin redness and pain, possible swelling, blistering, fever, headache. |
· Take a shower; use soap to remove oils obstructing the pores and avoiding the body to refresh naturally. · Apply sterile dressings at the blisters and seek medical attention. |
|
Cramping |
Painful spasms, usually at the legs and abdominal muscles. Abundant sweat. |
· Move the victim to a fresh place. · Stretch the affected muscles lightly and massage softly to ease the spasms. · Every 15 minutes, provide a glass of water to drink it slowly. (Do not provide alcohol.) · Interrupt liquid intake if the victim becomes nauseous. |
|
Fatigue |
Profuse sweating, but the skin may be cold, pale or reddened. Weak pulse. Body temperature may appear normal, but it is likely to increase. Fainting spells and dizziness, nausea, vomit, fatigue and headaches are possible. |
· Move the victim to a fresh place. · Loosen or remove the clothes. · Apply fresh and wet packs. · Fan the victim or move them to an air conditioned place. · Provide water sips if the victim is conscious. · Ensure that the water is drank slowly. · Every 15 minutes, provide a glass of fresh water. · Interrupt liquid intake if the victim becomes nauseous. · Seek medical attention immediately if the victim vomits. |
|
Heat stroke (serious medical emergency) |
High body temperature (more than 105°); hot, red and dry skin; quick and weak pulse and shallow breathing. The victim will probably not sweat, unless they are already sweating as a result of a recent straining activity. Possible unconsciousness. |
· Call 911 or Emergency Medical Services, or take the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay may be fatal. · Move the victim to a fresh place. · Remove the clothes. · Try to provide a fresh water bath, or refresh it with a wet sponge or sheet to reduce body temperature. · Check if the victim is having trouble breathing. · Be very careful. · Use fans and air conditioning. |
Heat Index – A number in Fahrenheit (F) degrees that indicates the amount of heat when relative humidity is added to air temperature. A plain exposure to Sun rays may increase the index in 15 degrees.
Cramping – Pain and muscular spasms caused by excessive effort.
Although cramping are the least serious symptom, they are often the first sign that the body has heat problems.
Fatigue—Typically happens when people over-exercise or work in a hot and humid place where the body loses liquids through abundant sweating. Skin blood flow increases, causing blood irrigation to diminish in vital organs. This causes a mild shock. If not treated, the state of the victim will worsen: The body temperature will continue increasing and the victim may suffer a heat stroke.
Heat Stroke – Heat stroke is life threatening. The victim’s temperature control system, which produces sweat to refresh the body, stops working. Body temperature increases so much that it may cause brain damage and death if the body is not cooled quickly.
Sun Stroke – Synonym to heat stroke.
