Heat Emergencies

Three Stages of Heat Emergencies:


1. Heat Cramps:

Muscles begin to cramp, beginning symptoms of a heat emergency.

  1. Go to a cool place.
  2. DO NOT MASSAGE THE CRAMPS.
  3. Relax; drink lots of water and Gatorade.
  4. Cool down completely before going back out in the heat, and be sure to take it easy, because your risk of heat exhaustion is high.

2. Heat Exhaustion:

May come on suddenly or proceeded by headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, extremely sweaty, pale, breathing fast and shallow, and sometimes abdominal cramping (stomach cramps)

  1. Move the person to a cool place.
  2. Remove as much clothing as possible.
  3. Sponge the person with water.
  4. Sit the person in front of a fan or fan them off.
  5. BE SURE NOT TO LET THE PERSON GET TOO COLD.
  6. SIP water and Gatorade.
  7. If the person goes unconscious or the person does not feel better call 911.

3. Heat Stroke

MEDICAL EMERGENY CALL 911.
Sudden onset, the person will stop sweating, or will not be sweating anymore, skin will be hot, flushed (red), headache, dizziness, and dryness of mouth can occur. Unresponsiveness or seizure may follow.

  1. Move the person to a cool place.
  2. Call 911.
  3. Remove as much clothing as possible.
  4. Cool the person off by sponging water on them.
  5. Sit the person in front of a fan if conscious and able to sit up
  6. Watch and wait for EMS to arrive.

Simple Rules to follow to keep you healthy and safe:

  1. Take breaks to cool off.
  2. Drink plenty of water AND Gatorade, or any sports drink.
  3. Do not wait until you get thirsty to drink water and/or Gatorade, your body is dehydrated already.
  4. Try to stay away from drinks with caffeine, such as soda pop, ice tea, and coffee.