CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCE CENTER Read More
Add To Favorites

Why is Excessive Heat so Dangerous?

Webster County Citizen - 5/31/2018

During extremely hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness.

It is important to know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a list of warning signs and symptoms of heat illness, and recommended first aid steps. Some of these symptoms and steps are listed below.

Heat Cramps may be the first sign of heatrelated illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.

Symptoms may included painful cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen. Heavy sweating may occur.

First Aid: Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water.

Heat Exhaustion symptoms may included heavy Sweating, weakness, cool, pale, clammy skin, fast, weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and fainting

First Aid: Move person to a cooler environment. Lay person down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of the body as possible. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Offer sips of water. If person vomits more than once, seek immediate medical attention.

Heat Stroke symptoms may include person with altered mental state as well as throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, and shallow breathing. The body temperature will be above 103°F. Skin will be hot and red. Pulse will be strong and rapid. The person may faint.

First Aid: Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment. Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or a bath. Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures. Do NOT give fluids.