As temperatures rise during the summer months, so do visits to the emergency room related to heat illnesses. However, with proper precautions, most heat illnesses can be prevented.
Emergency room medical provider Rochelle Herrada, APRN, stated, “The most important thing you can do to prevent heat illness is to stay hydrated and limit your time in the sun.”
While infants and people 65 or older are most at risk for a heat-related illness, anyone can be affected, even exercise enthusiasts.
At the first sign of heat exhaustion, it is important to take the following steps to help get your temperature down and cool your body:
- Move to an air-conditioned area
- Take a cold shower or use cold compresses
- Drink plenty of fluids such as water
- Remove tight or extra clothing layers
Unlike heat exhaustion, a heat stroke requires immediate medical attention. Someone experiencing heat stroke may have a sudden severe headache, unexplained confusion, no sweating, rapid heart rate, nausea or vomiting, and may lose consciousness.
“If you experience any of these signs, it’s your body telling you to cool down,” said Mrs. Herrada.
“If someone is in this state, take them to a shaded area and apply cool compresses to their head, chest, neck, and/or back. You may also put cool water directly over their skin,” she added.
If a heat stroke is suspected, it is vital to take the following steps:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Move the person to a cooler place.
- Use cold compresses to get their temperature down.
“Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be serious. If an individual is confused, passes out, is hot, but not sweating, call 911. This is a medical emergency,” said Mrs. Herrada.
