Heat Stroke Facts

• Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature - the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.
  
  
• Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated.
  
  
• Cooling the victim is a critical step in the treatment of heat stroke. Notify emergency services immediately.
  
  
• To prevent heat strokes, avoid becoming dehydrated and avoid rigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather. Drink plenty of water so that you will never become thirsty. If you have to perform physical activities in hot weather, drink plenty of fluids (water is the best drink), but avoid alcohol, caffeine (including soft drinks), and tea which may lead to dehydration. Wear hats and light-colored, lightweight, loose clothes.
  
  
• Infants, the elderly (often with associated heart diseases, lung diseases, kidney diseases, or who are taking medications that make them vulnerable to dehydration and heat strokes), athletes, and outdoor workers are the groups at greatest risk for heat stroke.
  
  
• Different people may have different symptoms and signs of heatstroke. Common symptoms and signs of heat stroke include: high body temperature, the absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, strange behavior, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, disorientation, seizure and/or coma. However, some individuals can develop symptoms of heat stroke suddenly and rapidly without warning.Persons suffering from heat stroke must receive immediate treatment to avoid permanent organ damage. First and foremost, cool the victim.
  
  
•  Get the victim to a shady area, remove clothing, apply cool or tepid water to the skin (for example you may spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose), fan the victim to promote sweating and evaporation, and place ice packs under the armpits and groin.
  
  
• If the person is able to drink liquids, have them drink cool water or other cool beverages that do not contain alcohol or caffeine.
  
  
• Monitor body temperature with a thermometer and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101 to 102 F (38.3 to 38.8 C).
  
  
• Notify emergency medical services immediately or bring patient to the nearest hospital or medical care center for proper medical attention.

Recommendations for Outdoor Workers (or workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments)

Workers should avoid exposure to extreme heat, sun exposure, and high humidity when possible. If this cannot be avoided, workers should take the following steps to prevent heat stress:

• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton.
• Avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing.
• Gradually build up to heavy work.
• Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day.
• Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity.
• Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible.
• Drink water frequently. Drink plenty of water so that you will never become thirsty, approximately 1 cup every 15-20 minutes.
• Avoid alcohol, and drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar.
• Take note that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress.
• Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.

(Sources: http://www.medicinenet.com/heat_stroke/ , http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/, and The Medical City)