Emergency Procedures: EXTREME HEAT

Definitions

Heat Cramps - Muscle pains or spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are usually the first signal that the body is having trouble
with heat.

Heat Exhaustion - Occurs when people exercise or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost via heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to vital organs, which can result in a form of mild shock. If left untreated the victim’s body temperature will keep rising and he may suffer heat stroke.

Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke) - Occurs when the victim’s temperature control system, which produces sweat, stops working. The body temperature can rise high enough to cause brain damage or death, if the body is not cooled quickly.

General Tips

If possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
Stay indoors and limit sun exposure.
If going outside, apply sunscreen uniformly to cover all areas that will be exposed fifteen minutes prior to going outside. Sunscreen should be applied every two hours.
Drink plenty of water.
If you are epileptic or have heart, kidney, or liver disease, consult your doctor first.
Stay on a building’s lowest floor, out of the sun, if air conditioning is not available.
Eat well-balanced meals; avoid intaking excess salt.
Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages.
Dress in loose fitting, lightweight, and light colored clothes that cover as much of your body as possible.
Protect your face and head by wearing a hat.
NEVER leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles or extremely hot environments.
Consider scheduling outdoor events for cooler times of the day.

Call SUSCC Police or 911 immediately if you (or a victim) are experiencing the following symptoms:

Heavy sweating
Paleness
Muscle Cramps
Tiredness
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea or Vomiting
Weakness
Fainting

Tell the dispatcher:

Your location
Victim’s type of injury or illness and status (conscious, breathing, or bleeding);
Stay on the line until released by the dispatcher