Total Pageviews

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure and people working or exercising in a hot environment.

Warning signs of heat exhaustion include:

heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting

The skin may be cool and moist. The victim's pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to a medical emergency. Seek medical attention and call 911 immediately if:
symptoms are severe, or
the victim has heart.
Otherwise, help the victim to cool off, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.

Heat exhaustion treatment
Cooling measures that may be effective include:
cool, non-alcoholic beverages, as directed by your physician
rest
cool shower, bath, or sponge bath
an air-conditioned environment
Lightweight clothing
Based on a CDC Prevention Guide for Emergencies and Disasters

No comments: