May 30, 2009 - Heat Emergency Prevention

Some ways to prevent heat related emergencies

Fortunately, the Shreveport Fire Department (SFD) has not responded to any heat related emergency medical calls this year. With the increasing amount of heat that is expected in the next few weeks, the SFD would like to make everyone aware of the potential for having a heat related emergency and some ways to prevent it from happening. Operation Cool Down will begin the first week of June for Emergency Medical Services Operations meaning that all SFD Medic Units carry electrolyte fluids for replacement with those suffering from heat cramps, IV solution that is kept cool and cold packs for active cooling when a patient is suffering from the effects of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Below are some preventative measures to reduce chances of having a heat-related medical emergency:

During hot weather:

● Drink plenty water- Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink and during hot weather drink up to one quart (32 ounces of fluids) every hour
● Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light-colored clothing
● Limit outdoor activities to morning and evening hours
● Pace yourself- take plenty of breaks
● Stay indoors if at all possible with air-conditioning. If air conditioning is not available keep the air circulating with fans so that your body’s normal cooling process (evaporation of sweat) can take place
● Use the buddy system and check on the elderly
● Monitor those at high risk

- Infants and children up to four years of age
- People 65 years of age or older
- People who overexert at work or exercise may dehydrate quickly
- Those who are physically ill with heart disease or high blood pressure

● Don’t leave children or pets in the car

We encourage all citizens to not hesitate to call 911 if they feel like they are having a heat-related emergency. It could be a life-threatening situation.

There are three levels of heat-related emergencies and they are listed below from the most to the least serious. The following recommendations for heat-related emergencies are from the Center for Disease Control:
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
Recognizing Heat Stroke
Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:

● An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally)
● Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
● Rapid, strong pulse
● Throbbing headache
● Dizziness
● Nausea
● Confusion
● Unconsciousness

What to Do
If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:

● Get the victim to a shady area.
● Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
● Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
● If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
● Do not give the victim fluids to drink.
● Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

Sometimes a victim's muscles will begin to twitch uncontrollably as a result of heat stroke. If this happens, keep the victim from injuring himself, but do not place any object in the mouth and do not give fluids. If there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turning the victim on his or her side.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. It is the body's response to an excessive loss of the water and salt contained in sweat. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment.
Recognizing Heat Exhaustion
Warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:

● Heavy sweating
● Paleness
● Muscle cramps
● Tiredness
● Weakness
● Dizziness
● Headache
● Nausea or vomiting
● Fainting

The skin may be cool and moist. The victim's pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. Seek medical attention immediately if any of the following occurs:

● Symptoms are severe
● The victim has heart problems or high blood pressure

Otherwise, help the victim to cool off, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.
What to Do
Cooling measures that may be effective include the following:

● Cool, non-alcoholic beverages
● Rest
● Cool shower, bath, or sponge bath
● An air-conditioned environment
● Lightweight clothing

Heat Cramps
Heat cramps usually affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body's salt and moisture. The low salt level in the muscles may be the cause of heat cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.

Recognizing Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms—usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs—that may occur in association with strenuous activity. If you have heart problems or are on a low-sodium diet, get medical attention for heat cramps.
What to Do
If medical attention is not necessary, take these steps:

● Stop all activity, and sit quietly in a cool place.
● Drink clear juice or a sports beverage.
● Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps subside, because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
● Seek medical attention for heat cramps if they do not subside in 1 hour.