Heat Emergencies

Air date: 9/1/2003

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Heat injuries are more common than people think. Exposure to high temperatures, especially over prolonged periods or when it is combined with humidity and stagnant air, can lead to several dangerous health conditions such as cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Those especially at risk to heat-related illness are often those already in poor health, as well as individuals who are isolated and do not have access to air conditioning. For these reasons, it is important to check up on relatives and neighbors — especially seniors and those with disabilities — to ensure they are keeping cool and in good health.

Heat Cramps

Unless very severe, heat cramps do not require emergency medical attention. Heat cramps usually occur when the heat index is between 90 and 105 degrees.

Heat Exhaustion

The condition should be treated with rest in a cool area, drinking water or electrolyte solutions, elevating the feet 12 inches, and further medical treatment in severe cases. If not treated, the victim's condition may escalate to heat stroke. If the victim does not respond to basic treatment, seek medical attention. Heat exhaustion usually occurs when the heat index is between 90 and 105 degrees.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and people exhibiting its symptoms should seek emergency medical attention. Heat stroke usually occurs when the heat index is 130 degrees or higher, but can occur when the heat index surpasses 105 degrees.

Beat The Heat Tips

• If possible, stay out of the sun. When in the sun, wear sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and a hat to protect your face and head.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible.
• Drink fluids — particularly water — even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool.
• Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. The recommended water intake is four 16 – 32 ounces of water supplemented with sports drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade.
• Eat small, frequent meals. Avoid high-protein foods.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must engage in strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• Consider going to public pools and air-conditioned stores, malls or movie theaters.
• Cool down with repeated cool baths or showers. Never take a shower immediately after becoming overheated — you may cool down too quickly and become ill, nauseous or dizzy.
• Never leave children, seniors or pets in a parked car during periods of intense summer heat. Carry plenty of water or other fluids when traveling with children and pets to prevent them from dehydrating.

Treatment

• Call 9-1-1 immediately for medical help.
• If you become overheated, improve your ventilation. Open a window or use a fan or air conditioner. This promotes sweat evaporation, which cools the skin.
• Relocate family members, friends or animals from a hot environment and transfer them to a shady place, a cool vehicle or a cool building.
• Paramedics can support airway, breathing and circulation with intravenous (IV) fluids, supplemental oxygen and assisted ventilation as indicated.
• Initiate cooling measures with any resources available.
• Apply ice packs to the neck.

According to eMedicine

• In the US: According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), approximately 175-200 persons die from heat-related disorders during an average year in the United States. This statistic rises to more than 1,500 persons during heat waves. The exact number of people seeking treatment for heat-related disorders is not recorded but reaches the thousands.
• Internationally: Incidence of heat-related disorders is increased in areas with higher ambient temperatures.
• Risk of death is related directly to peak temperature and duration of exposure.
• Estimates of fatalities caused by heat-related illness in the United States range from 300 to several thousand per year. The mortality rate in patients with heatstroke has been reported to be 10-70%, with the highest number of deaths occurring when treatment is delayed for more than 2 hours.
• Heat waves increase the mortality rate. The heat wave in July 1995 caused 91 deaths in Milwaukee and 465 deaths in Chicago.

According to National SAFE Kids Campaign

• Heat affects children and pets more quickly than adults. When they are left unattended in temperatures as mild as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, children and pets can face serious injury or even death.

Additional Resources

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