Hot Hot Understanding Heat Related Illness 1 Heat

Hot, Hot ! Understanding Heat Related Illness

1. Heat Related Illnesses can be fatal and result in death Pre Test A) True B) False 2. Elderly and young children are not at risk for Heat Related Illnesses A) True B) False 3. Taking salt tablets is a good way to treat Heat Related Illnesses A) True B) False 4. Signs/Symptoms of Heat Related Illness include: A) Thirst, Sweating, Feeling Dizzy B) Muscle Cramps, Not Sweating, Rapid Heart Beat C) A Only D) B Only E) A and B 5. Keeping hydrated is an important precaution to consider re: Heat Related Illnesses A) True B) False

What Is Heat Related Illness? Heat Related Illnesses include: Heat Stress Heat Syncope/Dizziness Heat Cramps Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke

Heat Stress Heat stress occurs when a strain is placed on the body as a result of hot weather.

Heat Syncope/Dizziness Heat syncope is sudden dizziness or fainting experienced after exposure to heat. The skin appears pale and sweaty but is generally moist and cool. The pulse may be weakened, and the heart rate is usually rapid. Body temperature is normal.

Heat Cramps/Muscle Spasms Heat Cramps: Painful muscle spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs following strenuous activity. The skin is usually moist and cool and the pulse is normal or slightly raised. Body temperature is mostly normal. Heat cramps often are caused by a lack of salt in the body, but salt replacement should not be considered without advice from a physician.

Heat Exhaustion: A warning that the body is getting too hot. The person may be thirsty, giddy, weak, uncoordinated, nauseous, and sweating profusely. The body temperature is usually normal and the pulse is normal or raised. The skin is cold and clammy. Although heat exhaustion often is caused by the body's loss of water and salt, salt supplements should only be taken with advice from a doctor.

Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt contained in sweat. Those most prone to heat exhaustion include elderly people, people with high or low blood pressure and people working or exercising in a hot environment.

Heat Stroke Heat stroke is a serious condition, and is sometimes fatal, so immediate medical attention is essential when problems first begin. A person with heat stroke has a body temperature above 104° F. Other symptoms may include confusion, combativeness, bizarre behavior, faintness, staggering, strong rapid pulse, dry flushed skin, lack of sweating, possible delirium or coma.

Heat Stroke Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 -15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

What Do You Do for Heat Related Illness? Monitor for signs or symptoms of heat related illness Obtain immediate assistance for the Resident Initiate immediate cooling procedures until medical help arrives Inform your Supervisor of any heat related illness