This document discusses heat-related emergencies and provides information on prevention and first aid. It explains that heat emergencies usually occur from overexertion in hot weather and can affect children and the elderly more. They occur in stages from heat cramps to heat exhaustion to the most severe heat stroke. Symptoms and first aid procedures are outlined for each stage. Prevention tips include wearing loose clothing, staying hydrated, and avoiding strenuous activity in the heat.
2. Heat Emergencies usually occur when
someone has exercised too much in hot
weather, or have been confined/trapped in
a place that heats up.
Children and the elderly are more prone to
heat related emergencies.
Check in frequently with older family
members and friends to make sure they
have properly running AC systems
Never leave children in the car alone, not
even for a minute!
Check on children frequently while playing
outside to make sure they are getting plenty
of fluids.
3. What are heat Emergencies?
A Health crises caused by exposure
to high temperatures and the sun.
Occur in 3 stages
Heat Cramps
Heat Exhaustion
Heat Stroke
4. Heat Cramps
First stage in a heat emergency
Typically happens to those who have been physically
active in the heat, but can also occur in those who
haven't.
Signs of heat cramps:
Muscle pain
Muscle tightness
5. First Aid:
Rest in a shady, cool area, out of direct sunlight
Drink plenty of cool water – avoid ice cold/cold water as
it may restrict blood flow
Gently massage the cramping muscle, encourage gently
stretching the muscle.
Wait a few hours before returning to strenuous activity
Seek medical attention if cramps do not go away
6. Heat Exhaustion
The second stage in a heat emergency
Symptoms include (but are not limited to):
Muscle Cramps
Dizziness
Headache
Irritability
Extreme thirst
Nausea/vomiting
Pale Skin
Heavy Sweating
Fainting
7. First Aid:
Sit or lie down in a cool shady area, out of direct
sunlight
Loosen clothing
Apply plenty of cool, wet towels to face, neck, chest and
limbs
Drink plenty of cool water – be sure not to drink too
fast!
Do not return to strenuous activity
Seek emergency care if signs and symptoms persist or
worsen
8. Heat Stroke
The most severe stage of heat emergencies
All signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion may be
present, plus:
Body Temperature over 105 F
Irrational Behavior
Confusion
Rapid, shallow breathing
Rapid, weak pulse
Seizures
Loss of Consciousness
The Red Cross notes that a person who is experiencing
heat stroke might have skin that feels very dry from
dehydration!
9. First aid:
HEAT STROKE IS A LIFE-THREATENING
EMERGENCY! CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY!
While waiting for help:
Move the person to a cooler area, out of direct sunlight
Loosen clothing – remove any sweaty clothing
Apply cool, wet towels to the face, neck, chest and limbs
Apply ice (if available) to the underarms, neck, and groin
Offer cool water/sports drinks if person in conscious – be
sure not to drink too fast!
Stay with the person until help arrives!
10. Preventing Heat Emergencies
Wear light, loose clothing
Acclimate to hot conditions slowly, and rest as often as
possible
Avoid exercise during the hottest part of the day
Avoid alcohol
Stay well hydrated
11. Please remember!
Heat emergencies affect pets
too!
Do not keep pets in closed in
hot areas (car, kennel, patios)
Make sure pets have plenty of
cool water to drink!
Be aware of the signs!
