Heat-Related Illnesses: A Guide to Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion
What are things older people should consider before attending the same kind of events?
Older individuals have similar issues when attending outdoor events in the heat. As a person ages their senses become duller. This means that they require a larger stimulus before they have a sensation. This applies to a lot of things but in hot environments it is worrisome because their thirst drive decreases, as does their intolerance to heat. This means that they will be more dehydrated before they feel thirsty, and it takes a hotter environment to make them uncomfortable than someone of younger age.
What are things that families with small children should take in count before they head out to outdoor activities or mass gatherings?
It is important to remember that kids are different from adults. As kids are smaller, this makes them more prone to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Also, they will generally prioritize play and fun over safety, so it is our job to keep them safe. Some common issues when attending outdoor gatherings include sunburns and dehydration.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, pale, and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fainting (passing out)
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
- High body temperature (103°F or higher)
- Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
- Fast, strong pulse
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Losing consciousness (passing out)
What to do in case of heat exhaustion:
- Move to a cool place
- Loosen your clothes
- Sip water
Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath:
Get medical help right away if:
- You are throwing up
- Your symptoms get worse
- Your symptoms last longer than 1 hour
Heat Stroke:
- Call 911 right away-heat stroke is a medical emergency
- Move the person to a cooler place
- Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
- Do not give the person anything to drink
