How to prevent, recognize and treat Heat stroke Heat exhaustion Heat syncope Heat cramps Heat rash

Heat Stroke (sunstroke)

What it is:

• a substantial rise in body temperature when the body cannot rid itself of excess heat

What to look for:

• skin very hot and dry (usually no sweat)
• very rapid onset
• dizziness, nausea, confusion, often unconsciousness

What to do:

• move the person to a cool area
• lower body temperature AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE
• immerse in or pour cool water over the person
• SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY - HEAT STROKE CAN BE FATAL

Heat Exhaustion What it is: a mild form of shock from excess exposure to heat What to look for: pale and clammy skin, profuse sweating body temperature close to normal headache, dizziness, fatigue, sometimes abdominal cramps What to do: move the person to a cool area make the person as cool as possible while preventing a chill (watch for shivering) if the person is conscious, give cool water to drink seek medical attention as quickly as possible

Heat Syncope

What it is:

• loss of consciousness because of decreased blood flow to the heart and brain as the blood pools in the extremities

What to look for:

• sudden loss of consciousness
• person suddenly regains consciousness when lying down

What to do:

• allow person to rest
• remove the person from the environment or activity which caused the person to lose consciousness

Heat Rash (prickly heat)

What it is:

• rash caused by blocked sweat ducts

What to look for:

• skin rash
• tingling or prickling sensation where the rash is

What to do:

• shower or wash frequently
• dry thoroughly
• change into dry clothing
• avoid exposure to heat until the rash is gone

Heat Cramps What it is: painful muscle cramps resulting from profuse perspiration What to look for: mild to severe cramps in the arms, legs, and/or abdomen from working in a hot environment OR drinking iced drinks very quickly or in too large quantities pale, moist skin with heavy sweating occasional nausea or faintness What to do: move the person to a cool area do not massage muscles if not nauseated, slowly give one or two glasses of a sport drink do not resume the activity which caused the cramps for at least 12 hours or the cramps may return

General Tips to prevent heat-related illness

• Spend whatever time possible in air conditioned areas, even if only a few hours each day.
• Ensure adequate food (light meals) and fluid intake. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, and see your physician about whether you need additional salt.
• Whenever possible, reduce activity levels in very hot weather.
• Because the elderly are particularly susceptible to the effects of heat, they or their caretakers should make a special effort to follow the guidelines in this brochure.
• Because young children under five years of age, and especially under one year, are also sensitive to heat's effects, parents and caretakers should be careful not to overdress them, and to give them plenty of fluids.
• Wear a hat when outdoors
• Exercise early or late in the day
• Remember, some pets can be affected by the heat. Ask your veterinarian for advice.
• In cases of health emergencies, you should call your physician, or visit your local hospital emergency room.
• For more information on the harmful effects of heat, contact your physician or:

  New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
  Consumer and Environmental Health Services
  PO Box 360
  Trenton, NJ 08625-0360
  
  (609) 584-5367

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Created: June 30, 1999