1. Heat Related Emergencies
Cindy Burnette MSN, RN, CA-CP SANE
Trauma Outreach Coordinator for Education and Injury Prevention
Medical Center Hospital

2. What are heat emergencies?
Heat related emergencies are a health crisis caused by exposure to hot weather and sun
Heat Stress
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Stroke

3. Who is at Risk? Young Children People aged 65 and older
Outdoor laborers
Athletes

4. How does our body work to cool itself?
Conduction- Heat loss through direct contact with a cool object
Convection- the dissipation of heat when cool air passes over exposed skin
Radiation-the release of heat from the body into the environment
Evaporation- through perspiration

5. The Heat Index Air Temperature + Relative Humidity
The human body normally cools itself by perspiring and then evaporating
Relative Humidity reduces the evaporation rate
High humidity reduces the body’s ability to get rid of excess heat

7. Factors Leading to heat Related Emergencies
High temperatures and high humidity
Direct sun or heat
Limited air movement
Physical exertion
Poor physical condition
Protective clothing
Some medications- beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, laxatives
Inadequate tolerance for increased heat

8. Heat Stress First stage of a Heat Emergency Muscle pain and tightness
More likely to happen to the elderly, small children, overweight individuals, and those drinking alcohol

9. Heat Exhaustion Muscle Cramps Dizziness and Fatigue Headache
Irritability
Nausea or Vomiting
Flushed Skin that is Hot to the Touch (up to 104° F)
Heavy Sweating
Visual disturbances
Rapid pulse

10. Heat Stroke May have all the signs of heat exhaustion plus:
Dry, hot skin usually without sweating
Confusion
Rapid shallow breathing
Rapid weak pulse
Seizures
Loss of consciousness
Body temperatures that can reach 105° F

11. Treating Heat Related Emergencies- Heat Cramps
At first sign of a heat related emergency:
Move the person to a cooler area and out of direct sunlight
Gently message the cramping muscles
Offer water or a sports drink every 15 minutes- drink slowly!

12. Treating Heat Related Emergencies- Heat Exhaustion
Move the person to a cooler area and out of direct sunlight
Loosen clothing and/or remove out layers
Apply cool, wet towels to the face, neck, chest, and limbs
Fan the individual’s skin
Offer cool water or a sports drink every 15 minutes
If symptoms do not improve or get worse call 911 or go to the Emergency Room

13. Treating Heat Related Emergencies- Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a life threatening emergency, call 911
Move the person to a cooler area and out of direct sunlight
Loosen clothing and/or remove out layers
Fan the individual’s skin
Apply cool, wet towels to the face, neck, chest, and limbs
Apply ice pack to neck, armpits and groin
Offer cool water or sports drink every 15 minutes

14. Preventing Heat Related Emergencies
Drink Plenty of Fluids- avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks
Wear appropriate clothes- light colored, light weight, wide brim hats
Stay Indoors During Mid-Day- between 10am-6pm
Watch the Heat Index
Seek Air-Conditioned Environments
Know the Warning Signs of Heat-Related Emergencies

15. Important Points to remember!
ALWAYS call 911 if the heat emergency is causing vomiting, seizures, or loss of consciousness
Do not give the individual anything to drink if they are vomiting or unconscious
Never give the individual a drink containing caffeine or alcohol

16. Potential Complications from heat emergencies
Vital organ damage, especially brain and kidney
Death- 40% of heat related deaths come from Texas, Arizona, and California
Heat stroke causes about 700 deaths per year

19. Questions?
Comments?