MEC&F Expert Engineers : Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness

Friday, June 24, 2016

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness

Summer's Heating Up - Are You Ready?

Heat-Related Illness

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Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet annually many people succumb to extreme heat. Know the signs of heat-related illness and what to do when you notice them.

  
Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale, and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; fainting
What to do: move to a cooler location; lie down and loosen clothing; apply cool, wet cloths to as much of the body as possible; sip water; seek medical attention if the person vomits and continues vomiting
Heat stroke: high body temperature (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit); hot, red skin - dry or moist; rapid and strong pulse; possible unconsciousness
What to do: CALL 911 immediately and follow the operator's directions - this is a medical emergency; move the person to a cooler place; reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths or a bath; do NOT give liquids
For more information, see CDC's Extreme Heat website.

Preparing for Extreme Heat

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Free Training - Recognizing, Preventing and Treating Heat-Related Illness

This training was designed especially for coaches, school nurses, parents, and others who train or provide athletic training in the heat.
After completing this web based course, the learner should be able to:
  • Define heat-related illness
  • Identify the three main types of heat-related illness
  • Identify the symptoms, or warning signs, for each type of heat-related illness
  • Describe treatment options for each type of heat-related illness, including return to play considerations
  • Describe steps you can take to prevent heat-related illness
Continuing education credits available.

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Extreme Heat Media Toolkit

CDC's Extreme Heat Media Toolkit offers logos, Web banners, posters, and more to help media, public health professionals, and others share information about how to stay safe during extreme heat events.


Ready Wrigley Prepares for Extreme Heat - An Activity Book for Kids

Summertime is a great time to make sure your family is ready for any kind of disaster. Kids can help Wrigley get her family ready to stay safe during extreme heat. Find helpful tips to help children and adults avoid heat-related illnesses too!

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Close-up photo of a sweaty person's eye
Muscle cramping might be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke. Here is how you can recognize heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what to do:
Heat Exhaustion arrow pointing right
  • Heavy sweating
  • Weakness
  • Cold, pale, and clammy skin
  • Fast, weak pulse
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fainting

What You Should Do:

  • Move to a cooler location.
  • Lie down and loosen your clothing.
  • Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible.
  • Sip water.
  • If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately.
Heat Stroke arrow pointing right
  • High body temperature (above 103°F)*
  • Hot, red, dry or moist skin
  • Rapid and strong pulse
  • Possible unconsciousness

What You Should Do:

  • Call 911 immediately — this is a medical emergency.
  • Move the person to a cooler environment.
  • Reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath.
  • Do NOT give fluids.