Recognizing heat exhaustion

People who are exposed to the hot sun for an extended period of time while working and wearing multiple layers of clothing are at greatest risk.  For sweating to be an effective cooling mechanism, the sweat must be able to evaporate from the body.  Otherwise, the body will continue to produce sweat, with further loss of water.  The sweat is unable to evaporate, causing the core temperature to rise instead of fall.  Due to this, people who work or exercise vigorously and those who wear heavy clothing are particularly at risk of developing heat exhaustion.
Heat exhaustion is the most common serious illness caused by excessive heat.  Heat exposure, stress, and fatigue are all contributing factors to the development of this condition.  Heat exhaustion is caused by the loss of water and electrolytes through sweating.  People who are exposed to the hot sun for an extended period of time while working and wearing multiple layers of clothing are at greatest risk.  For sweating to be an effective cooling mechanism, the sweat must be able to evaporate from the body.  Otherwise, the body will continue to produce sweat, with further loss of water.  The sweat is unable to evaporate, causing the core temperature to rise instead of fall.  Due to this, people who work or exercise vigorously and those who wear heavy clothing are particularly at risk of developing heat exhaustion.
Heat exhaustion can be recognized by the following signs and symptoms:
• Dizziness, weakness or faintness with accompanying nausea or headache
• Onset while working hard or exercising in a hot environment and sweating heavily
• Onset, even at rest, for the elderly or infant age groups in hot environments for an extended period of time
• Cold, clammy skin
• Normal to slightly elevated body temperature, as high as 40C
 
Treatment for the condition includes:
• Notify 997
• Remove the victim from the hot environment and into a cool area
• Remove excess layers of clothing
• If the victim is responsive and NOT nauseated, provide water or a commercial sports drink
• Cool the victim by applying cool, wet towels to the victim’s head and body
Heat exhaustion is a dangerous condition which, if left untreated, can lead to a more serious illness called heat stroke.  Remember to take precautions now that the heat index is on the rise.  If you need to work outdoors remember to stay hydrated, wear loose fitting clothes, and pay attention to your body signs.