HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES HEAT CRAMPS, HEAT EXHAUSTION, AND HEAT STROKE

HEAT RELEATED ILLNESSES Heat-related emergencies are progressive conditions caused by overexposure to heat. If recognized in the early stages, heat-related emergencies can usually be reversed. If not recognized early, they may progress to heat-stroke, a life-threatening condition.

 HEAT CRAMPS  HEAT EXHAUSTION  HEAT STROKE THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES:

WHAT ARE HEAT CRAMPS? Heat cramps are the mildest form of heat injury that occur during or after intense exercise and sweating in high heat. Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that usually occur in the legs and abdomen.

FIRST-AID MEASURES FOR HEAT INJURIES: HEAT CRAMPS 1.MOVE TO A COOL PLACE TO REST 2.REMOVE EXCESS CLOTHING AND PLACE COOL CLOTHS ON SKIN; FAN THE SKIN 3.GIVE COOL SPORTS DRINKS CONTAINING SALT AND SUGAR SUCH AS GATORADE 4.STRETCH CRAMPED MUSCLES SLOWLY AND GENTLY

WHAT IS HEAT EXHAUSTION ? HEAT EXHAUSTION IS MORE SEVERE THAN HEAT CRAMPS AND RESULTS FROM A LOSS OF WATER AND SALT IN THE BODY. IT OCCURS IN CONDITIONS OF EXTREME HEAT AND EXCESSIVE SWEATING WITHOUT ADEQUATE FLUID AND SALT REPLACEMENT. HEAT EXHAUSTION OCCURS WHEN THE BODY IS UNABLE TO COOL ITSELF PROPERLY AND, IF LEFT UNTREATED, CAN PROGRESS TO HEAT STROKE. SIGNALS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION INCLUDE: COOL, MOIST, PALE, ASHEN OR FLUSHED SKIN HEADACHE, NAUSEA, DIZZINESS WEAKNESS, EXHAUSTION HEAVY SWEATING

FIRST-AID MEASURES FOR HEAT INJURIES: HEAT EXHAUSTION 1.MOVE PERSON TO A COOL PLACE TO REST 2.REMOVE EXCESS CLOTHING AND PLACE COOL CLOTHS ON SKIN; FAN THE SKIN 3.GIVE COOL SPORTS DRINKS CONTAINING SALT AND SUGAR SUCH AS GATORADE 4.IF THERE IS NO IMPROVEMENT OR THE PERSON IS UNABLE TO TAKE FLUIDS, CALL (911) EMERGENCY IMMEDIATELY. 5.IV (INTRAVENOUS) FLUIDS MAY BE NEEDED

WHAT IS HEAT STROKE ? HEAT STROKE, THE MOST SEVERE FORM OF HEAT ILLNESS, OCCURS WHEN THE BODY'S HEAT-REGULATING SYSTEM IS OVERWHELMED BY EXCESSIVE HEAT. IT IS A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY AND REQUIRES IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION. SIGNALS OF HEAT STROKE INCLUDE: RED, HOT, DRY (OR MOIST) SKIN CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF CONSCIOUSNESS VOMITING

FIRST-AID MEASURES FOR HEAT INJURIES: HEAT STROKE 1. MOVE TO A COOL PLACE AND ALLOW REST 2. CALL 911 OR THE LOCAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE 3. HEAT STROKE IS A LIFE-THREATENING MEDICAL EMERGENCY AND NEEDS TO BE TREATED BY A PHYSICIAN. 4. REMOVE EXCESS CLOTHING AND DRENCH SKIN WITH COOL WATER; FAN THE SKIN 5. PLACE ICE BAGS ON THE ARMPITS AND GROIN AREAS 6. OFFER COOL FLUIDS IF ALERT AND ABLE TO DRINK

HOW CAN HEAT STROKE BE PREVENTED? SOME GENERAL GUIDELINES TO HELP PROTECT YOU FROM HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES: DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS DURING VIGOROUS OR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING SUNBATHING), ESPECIALLY ON HOT DAYS DRINKS OF CHOICE INCLUDE WATER AND SPORTS DRINKS; AVOID ALCOHOL AND FLUIDS WITH CAFFEINE SUCH AS TEA, COFFEE, AND COLA, AS THESE CAN LEAD TO DEHYDRATION DRESS IN LIGHT COLORED, LIGHTWEIGHT, TIGHTLY WOVEN, LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING ON HOT DAYS SCHEDULE VIGOROUS ACTIVITY AND SPORTS FOR COOLER TIMES OF THE DAY TAKE REST PERIODS IN SHADY OR COOL AREAS PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SUN BY WEARING A HAT AND SUNGLASSES AND BY USING AN UMBRELLA USE A SUNSCREEN THAT IS AT LEAST SPF (SUN PROTECTION FACTOR) 15

HOW CAN HEAT STROKE BE PREVENTED? INCREASE TIME SPENT OUTDOORS GRADUALLY TO GET YOUR BODY USED TO THE HEAT TEACH EMPLOYEES TO TAKE FREQUENT DRINK BREAKS AND "WET DOWN" OR MIST THEMSELVES WITH A SPRAY BOTTLE TO AVOID BECOMING OVERHEATED TRY TO SPEND AS MUCH TIME INDOORS AS POSSIBLE ON VERY HOT AND HUMID DAYS WARM-UP AND COOL-DOWN BEFORE AND AFTER EXERCISING IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION OR ARE TAKING MEDICATION, CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN FOR FURTHER ADVICE FOR PREVENTING HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES.

SAFETY TALK HANDOUT

HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES HEAT CRAMPS, HEAT EXHAUSTION, AND HEAT STROKE Jackson Public Schools Risk management Dr. Charlotte Crisler, Risk Manager or LaTonya Gilbert at