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Extreme Heat
FIRST AID FOR HEAT
INDUCED ILLNESSES
Heat kills
by pushing the human body beyond its limits. In extreme heat
and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must
work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.
Most heat
disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to
heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical
condition. Older adults, young children, and those who are
sick or overweight are more likely to succumb to extreme heat.
Conditions
that can induce heat-related illnesses include stagnant
atmospheric conditions and poor air quality. Consequently,
people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the
effects of a prolonged heat wave than those living in rural
areas. Also, asphalt and concrete store heat longer and
gradually release heat at night, which can produce higher
nighttime temperatures known as the "urban heat island
effect."
How can
I protect myself from extreme heat? Know your extreme heat
terms:
·
Heat Wave
o
Prolonged period
of excessive heat often combined with excessive humidity.
·
Heat Index
o
A number in
degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it feels when
relative humidity is added to the air temperature. Exposure to
full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees.
·
Heat Cramps
o
Muscular pains
and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the
least severe, they are often the first signal that the body is
having trouble with the heat.
·
Heat
Exhaustion
o
Typically occurs
when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place
where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow
to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the
vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not
treated, the victim's condition will worsen. Body temperature
will keep rising and the victim may suffer heat stroke.
·
Heat Stroke
o
A
life-threatening condition. The victim's temperature control
system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops
working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain
damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.
·
Sun Stroke
o
Another term for
heat stroke.
To
prepare for extreme heat, you should:
·
Install window
air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
·
Check
air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
·
Install temporary
window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such
as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back
outside.
·
Weather-strip
doors and sills to keep cool air in.
·
Cover windows
that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades,
awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce
the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.). Keep storm
windows up all year.
What
you should do if the weather is extremely hot:
·
Stay indoors as
much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
·
Stay on the
lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not
available.
·
Consider spending
the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as
libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other
community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by
increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
·
Eat
well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt
tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
·
Drink plenty of
water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver
disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with
fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing
liquid intake.
·
Limit intake of
alcoholic beverages.
·
Dress in
loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that
cover as much skin as possible.
·
Protect face and
head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
·
Check on family,
friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and
who spend much of their time alone.
·
Never leave
children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
·
Avoid strenuous
work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system
when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
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