Beware of Heat Stroke this summer

Based from an article published by The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer 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°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency treatment.

Symptoms

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness (coma)
• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
• Seizures
• Very high body temperature
• Fatal if treatment delayed

First Aid

Take the following steps to treat a worker with heat stroke:

• Stay with the worker until emergency medical services arrive.
• Move the worker to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing.
• Cool the worker quickly, using the following methods:
• With a cold water or ice bath, if possible
• Wet the skin
• Place cold wet cloths on the skin
• Soak clothing with cool water

Circulate the air around the worker to speed cooling.

• Place cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits, and groin; or soak the clothing with cool water.