Job Hazards

Dangers of Heat Exposure

Warm weather can become dangerous, particularly during strenuous activity or outdoor excercise. The following examples of physical problems triggered by hot weather are often caused by a combination of high temperatures and dehydration.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are jolting, throbbing muscle spasms that typically affect the hamstrings. They seem to coincide with heat, dehydration, and poor physical fitness, as opposed to a salt deficiency or mineral imbalance. Rest, water intake, and cooler air will help the cramps subside.

Heat Exhaustion

The name hints that heat exhaustion is caused by a mixture of exhaustion and excessive heat exposure, but it is also a result of dehydration. Symptoms related to heat exhaustion include:

• Paleness
• Wooziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fainting
• Rise in body temperature to 101-102 degrees Farenheit

Mild heat exhaustion may be cured with rest and drinking water, while ice packs and an air-conditioned environment may help as well. Severe cases of heat exhaustion may call for an IV, especially if repeated vomiting prevents the patient from swallowing enough water.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious type of condition caused by high temperatures. If it is hot enough, even people who are inactive can suffer from heat stroke. A heat stroke victim will usually exhibit warm, rosy skin, but they will not perspire at all. However, an athlete who experiences heat stroke after an intense workout in hot weather could still be sweating significantly. Whether it is induced by exercise or not, a person with heat stroke often has a temperature of approximately 106 degrees Farenheit and may become unconscious, hallucinate, or go into convulsions. If a person suffering from heat stroke does not lower their body temperature fast enough, it can turn deadly. Immediate first aid should include the application of ice packs to the surface of the skin. Once EMS has arrived, the patient needs to be rehydrated with IV fluids and escorted to a hospital as quickly as possible. Since numerous organs can stop functioning during heat stroke, the patient will most likely need to remain at the medical facility for testing.

If you experience signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke, take your temperature using an oral or rectal thermometer. An ear or forehead thermometer could give false readings because sweat has the ability to disguise your body temperature.