Heat Related Injuries And Treatment

Heat Injuries

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most severe of all heat-related illness and could be life threatening.

Causes:

The body's cooling fails due to excessive humidity, extreme heat, prolonged activity in the hot sun. Internal body temperature rises, leading to stroke.

Symptoms:

Body temperature, greater than 104 deg F
Head ache
Dizziness
Confusion
Disorientation
Fatigue
Hot dry skin
Skin is moist, if stroke is due to exertion
Rapid / shallow breathing
Rapid heartbeat
Absence of sweating
Fluctuating blood pressure
Irritability
Confusion
Lack of consciousness / coma

Treatment:

Remove the person to a shady place. Cool the person by sponging with wet towel and apply ice packs in armpits and groin areas if available. Give water with electrolyte, fruit / vegetable juice, or plain water with salt (1 tsp per quart of water). Allow victim to rest.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a heat related disorder. The loss of fluids takes place decreasing blood flow to vital organs, leading to shock.

Causes:

Heat exhaustion is caused by excessive heat, increased by overexertion, sweating, and hot, humid climate.

Symptoms:

Weakness / dizziness
Headache / nausea
Cold / moist skin
Paleness
Dry tongue / thirst
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Excessive sweating
Rapid / weak heart beat
Fast / shallow breathing
Muscle fatigue
Cramps

Treatment:

The body needs to be cooled down. Remove the person to a shady place and loosen tight-fitting clothing and remove extra clothes. Cool the person by sponging with wet cloth or towel.

The victim needs to be rehydrated using fluids containing electrolytes such as sports drinks or fruit and vegetable juices. Plain water with a little bit of salt and sugar can be substituted in a survival situation if available. Give fluid every 15-20 minutes. Avoid coffee and alcohol.

Seek professional medical assistance if the symptoms don't clear up in 30 minutes. Seek emergency help in case of physical collapse or loss of consciousness.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are involuntary muscle spasms. They are caused by a deficiency of water and sodium in the body. Heat cramps are painful, may be severe and prolonged.

Heavy exercising in hot weather causes excessive sweating which leads to electrolyte deficiency resulting in muscle cramps.

Heat cramps are the least serious of all heat injuries. It is a warning sign for heat exhaustion.

Muscles most affected are the voluntary muscles of:

Calves
Arms
Thighs
Back
Abdomen

Heat Cramps are caused by:

Heat
Dehydration
Excessive sweating
Loss of body salts
Muscle stress
Poor body condition

Symptoms:

Dizzy feeling
Fainting
Exhaustion
Nausea
Vomiting
Rapid heartbeat
Hot/sweaty skin

Treatment:

Rest briefly and cool down. Apply manual pressure and massage to the affected muscle areas. Drink one quart of water with one teaspoon of salt. Drink some clear juice or electrolyte-containing sports drink if available. Practice gentle stretching exercise of the affected muscle. Seek medical help if the cramps remain after 1 hour. Heat cramps usually improves with an electrolyte drink, cool shade and rest.


Stay Prepared! Stay Alive!


Charlie