When is Hot Too Hot?
After a bone chilling winter, I am definitely ready for a bit of warmth to hit my face! Spring brings out the flowers and green grass, but it’s really summertime that I crave. Even so, the beauty of warm summer days can still bring danger if we are not prepared. Extreme temperatures, over-exercising, or prolonged sun exposure are just a few of the risks involved in those gorgeous summer days.
In high heat and high humidity, evaporation is slower and your body has to work harder to keep a normal temperature. In a heat wave, you are exposed to prolonged periods of heat. These situations can bring on the possibility of heat-induced illness. Here are a few of those illnesses, their symptoms, and how to treat them.
Sunburn: Skin redness and tenderness, possible headache, fever, swelling and blisters. Treat a sunburn by showering in cool water to get rid of oils that might be blocking your pores. This will help your body to cool off better on its own. Apply aloe vera to the burn, if it’s available. Apply sterile bandages to any blisters, and seek medical help if necessary.
Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, even if the skin might be pale or cool, weak pulse, faint or dizzy, nauseous, exhaustion, and headaches are possible. Treat heat exhaustion by getting the victim to a cool place immediately. Loosen clothing, or remove if possible. Put cold, preferably wet, cloths on the victim, but make sure the cloths stay cool. Have victim sip cool water if they aren’t unconscious, but make sure it is sipped slowly. If they are vomiting, do not give more water. Get immediate medical help if they are vomiting.
Heat Stroke: Extreme body temperature (usually over 104 degrees Fahrenheit); dry, red skin; fast, weak pulse; shallow breathing, possible unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. If you suspect that the victim has heat stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. Move the victim to a cool area until help arrives. Remove their clothing and try sponging them with cool cloths. Make sure they continue to breathe, and use extreme caution.
Hopefully none of us will ever be in these situations, but in the possibility that we are, make sure you are prepared with information that can help save your life. Also make sure you keep a kit handy in your car, such as a basic 72-hour kit. Or at least keep a few water pouches or bottles of water in your trunk in case you get stranded on those hot summer days.
