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Forum
-> Children's Health
Chava Golar
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Tue, Jul 06 2010, 11:54 am
David A. Papi
Director-Health Officer
Ronald G. Rios
Freeholder Deputy Director
Chairperson, Committee of
Public Health & Education
MIDDLESEX COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
732-745-3100
FACT SHEET
Extreme Heat Illness and Prevention
(Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion)
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and it occurs when the body is unable to cool down.
Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
Who is at greatest risk of heat-related illness?
Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than
others. Check regularly on:
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Infants and young children
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People aged 65 or older
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People who have a mental illness
•
Those who are physically ill (especially with heart disease or high blood pressure)
Other conditions related to risk include: Obesity, fever, dehydration, poor circulation, sunburn, and
prescription drug and alcohol use.
What are the warning signs of heat stroke?
Warning signs vary but may include the following:
•
An extremely high body temperature · Dizziness
(above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, orally) · Nausea
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Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating) · Confusion
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Rapid, strong pulse · Unconsciousness
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Throbbing headache
If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone
call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:
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Get the victim to a shady area.
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Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub
of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden
hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet
sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
•
Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101102°
F.
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If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further
instructions.
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Do not give the victim fluids to drink.
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Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
Extreme Heat 5-10
What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness. It is the body’s response to an excessive loss of
the water and salt contained in sweat that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures
and inadequate or unbalanced replacements of fluids.
What are the warning signs of heat exhaustion?
Warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:
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Heavy sweating
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Paleness
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Muscle cramps
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Tiredness
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Weakness
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Dizziness
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Headache
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Nausea or vomiting
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Fainting
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 heat stroke. Seek medical attention
immediately if any of the following occurs:
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Symptoms are severe
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The victim has heart problems or high blood pressure
Otherwise, help the victim to cool off and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer
than 1 hour.
Cooling measures that may be effective include the following:
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Cool, nonalcoholic beverages · An air-conditioned environment
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Rest · Lightweight clothing
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Cool shower, bath, or sponge bath
How can I protect myself, others, and pets from extreme heat?
To protect the health of yourself, others, and pets when temperatures are extremely high, remember to keep cool
and use common sense. The following tips are important:
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Stay cool indoors
o
Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death
o
If your home does not have air-conditioning, call your local Police Department, Office of
Emergency Management, or Health Department to see if there are Cooling Centers in your area.
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Drink plenty of fluids
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Do not drink liquids that contain alcohol, or large amounts of sugar
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Provide cool water for your pets
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Avoid hot foods and heavy meals
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Replace salts and minerals
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Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose fitting clothing
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Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors
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Apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) 30 minutes prior to going outside and reapply according to package
directions
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Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours
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Pace yourself
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Do not wait in or leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car
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Use a buddy system
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Monitor those at high risk
Source of information: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/
Extreme Heat 5-10
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Chava Golar
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Tue, Jul 06 2010, 11:55 am
David A. Papi
Director-Health Officer
Ronald G. Rios
Freeholder Deputy Director
Chairperson, Committee of
Public Health & Education
MIDDLESEX COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT
732-745-3100
Hot Weather Tips
Extreme Heat Prevention
To protect the health of yourself, others, and pets when temperatures are extremely high, remember to keep
cool and use common sense. The following tips are important:
•
Get informed (listen to local news and weather)
•
Stay cool indoors
o
Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death
o
If your home does not have air-conditioning, call your local Police Department, Office of
Emergency Management or Health Department to see if there are Cooling Centers in your area
•
Drink plenty of fluids
o Talk to your doctor about how much water you should drink when the weather is hot
•
Do not drink liquids that contain alcohol, or large amounts of sugar
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Avoid very cold liquids
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Replace salts and minerals
o
A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. However, if you are on a
low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.
•
Talk to your doctor about the effects of prescription medicines you are taking
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Avoid hot foods and heavy meals
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Use your stove and oven less
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Take a cool shower or bath
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Rest
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Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose fitting clothing
•
Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors
•
Apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) 30 minutes prior to going outside and reapply according to
package directions
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Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours
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When outdoors try to rest often in shady areas
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Pace yourself
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Do not engage in strenuous activities
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Use a buddy system
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Monitor those at high risk (infants and children; people aged 65 or older; people who have a mental
illness; and those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure)
•
Do not wait in or leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car
•
Provide cool water for your pets
Source of information: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/
Extreme Heat 5-10
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