Heat Stroke: Know the Signs
Pflugerville Fire Dept./Travis County ESD No. 2
During hot and humid weather, your body has a harder time cooling. When the body heats up too quickly to properly cool itself – or when too much fluid/salt is lost through sweating or dehydration – the victim may suffer heat exhaustion or heat stroke which is very serious. Below are tips on preventing heat stroke, recognizing its symptoms, and first aid. And remember: never leave kids, pets, or disabled adults alone in parked cars … not even for a few minutes! Have a safe and enjoyable summer everybody.
PREVENTING HEAT STROKE
- Slow down! Reduce, cancel or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day
- Even if you don’t feel thirsty, proactively bring and drink plenty of water (not very cold) or other non-alcoholic, decaffeinated fluids
- Prevent sunburn through sunscreen, sunhats, and minimizing direct exposure to the sun; a sunburn reduces your body’s ability to cool down. Choosing between sunscreen and moisturizer can be challenging, especially with many products claiming to offer dual benefits. It’s important to note that while some sunscreens are formulated with hydrating properties, they may not provide the same level of moisturization as a dedicated moisturizer. On the other hand, moisturizers with SPF might not offer sufficient sun protection. Therefore, understanding the nuances of sunscreen vs moisturizer can help you choose the right products for your skincare regimen.
- Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight
- Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salad
- Take a cool bath or shower
- Spend time in air-conditioned locations
- When the room temperature is hotter than 90°, don’t direct the flow of portable electric fans toward you because the dry, blowing air may further dehydrate you
HEAT STROKE SYMPTOMS
- Altered mental state or confusion
- Hot, red, dry, or moist skin
- One or more of these symptoms: dizziness, throbbing headache, nausea, shallow breathing
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Body temperature 103°F or greater
FIRST AID FOR HEAT STROKE
- Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or get the victim to a hospital immediately
- Get to a cooler setting, preferably air-conditioned
- Do not give fluids
- Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or a bath
- Use a fan only IF the heat index is BELOW the high-90s
