AUGUST 7, 2015
By
Frank Heinz
Heat stroke is being blamed for killing a residential construction worker last month.
Roendy
Granillo, 25, of Haltom City, was working at a home on the 3400 block
of Hawthorne Lane in Melissa when he began to suffer symptoms related to
heat stroke.
Granillo was taken to the Medical Center of McKinney where he was later pronounced dead.
The Collin County medical examiner confirmed Granillo's cause of death Friday.
Heat Advisory Precautions
With such oppressive heat in the forecast, North Texans are reminded
to check on their friends and loved ones with health problems as they
may be among the most susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
As always, never leave young children or pets unattended in an
enclosed vehicle, even for a short amount of time, as temperatures can
quickly rise to threatening levels.
Pets should not be left unattended outdoors for more than a few minutes.
Water is the cornerstone to staying safe this week, according to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Officials said it's
important to start drinking before becoming thirsty and if you know
you're going to be out in the heat, begin drinking water the night
before.
Officials recommend staying indoors, but anyone who must be outside
should drink a cup of water about every 20 minutes and wear lightweight,
loose-fitting clothing.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke: CDC
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Hallucinations
- Chills
- Throbbing headache
- High body temperature
- Confusion/dizziness
- Slurred speech
Take the following steps to treat a worker with heat stroke:
- Call 911 and notify their supervisor.
- Move the sick worker to a cool shaded area.
- Cool the worker using methods such as:
- Soaking their clothes with water.
- Spraying, sponging, or showering them with water.
- Fanning their body.
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion: CDC
- Heavy sweating
- Extreme weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness, confusion
- Nausea
- Clammy, moist skin
- Pale or flushed complexion
- Muscle cramps
- Slightly elevated body temperature
- Fast and shallow breathing
Treat a worker suffering from heat exhaustion with the following:
- Have them rest in a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area.
- Have them drink plenty of water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
- Have them take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
Online: CDC's Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness