Heat Illnesses And Dehydration Need Immediate First Aid
Warm weather is usually the signal for outdoor summer activities, but high temperatures can cause the sometimes very serious problems of dehydration and heat illness. The chances of these developing will be greater if the humidity is also high. A combination of high temperature, high humidity, and exposure to the sun will eventually interfere with the body’s ability to cool itself. Generally, when we become hot, we sweat and this helps to lower the temperature of the body.
When heat illnesses begin to manifest themselves, this ability to control bodily temperature is lost, and excessive sweating will also lead to dehydration. Heat illness and dehydration should always be addressed quickly as serious damage to the body, and even death, can follow if untreated. Some people are more susceptible to these conditions, especially young children, the elderly, those with a chronic medical condition, and obese individuals.
Heat Rash And Heat Cramps
These are the mildest and least serious of the heat illnesses. Heat rash causes a red, itchy rash to appear on the chest, neck, and inside of the elbows. It is caused by excessive sweating and is easily relieved by getting to a cooler spot, rinsing off the sweat with cool water, then applying cornstarch or other powder to help keep the skin drier.
Heat cramps are most common in the muscles of the legs, although the arms and abdomen can also be subject to these painful spasms. Heat cramps occur when activities during hot weather cause enough sweating to begin mild dehydration. Salts are present throughout our bodies and when these are diminished, cramping of the muscles will begin. All that is needed to combat this condition is to move the affected person to a cool, shady spot and administer an energy drink such as Gatorade. Fruit juice is also helpful and these beverages will help to restore the mineral balance of the body.
Heat Exhaustion
The next step in heat illnesses is heat exhaustion. Those who are suffering from heat exhaustion will sweat profusely and be pale in appearance. They will feel weak and dizzy and may faint. Nausea and vomiting are often present, too. At this stage, the body is still trying desperately to cool itself off, but will need some help to do so.
If an air-conditioned room is available, get the person suffering from heat exhaustion into it. Give them energy drinks or fruit juice, and either sponge them off with cool water or have them take a cool shower – it is important to lower the body temperature quickly. Make sure that they rest, and do not allow them to return to whatever activity they were engaged in.
These measures should help their body to return to normal, but if they are still in distress after 60 minutes, they will need medical attention.
Heat Stroke
This is a serious, life-threatening condition that will require emergency medical care. The ability to sweat and cool the body has been completely lost, and the core temperature of the body can rise to 106 F or more quickly. The affected person will have a red, flushed appearance and will not sweat at all. Their mental state will be confused and they could easily lose consciousness. Major organ failure and death can follow unless emergency treatment is given.
Call 911 immediately, and get the person out of the sun. Pour cool water over the body to try to cool the internal temperature, and fan them to help lower the body temperature. If the person is conscious, give cool energy drinks or juice unless they are nauseated. Keep pouring water over the person until their body temperature falls to 101 F, or until medical help arrives.
Dehydration
This is often a corollary to heat illnesses and can develop into an extremely dangerous condition. Dehydration occurs when there simply is not enough fluid in the body for normal metabolic functions. Mild and even moderate dehydration can usually be treated at home by the administration of electrolyte drinks or energy drinks. These will help to restore the mineral balance of the body and allow for absorption of liquids. However, if vomiting is present or the dehydration is severe, intravenous fluids will be necessary to restore the balance of the body. If someone is seriously dehydrated, get them to a hospital at once.
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