Heat Emergencies

Three Stages: Heat Cramps Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke

Heat Cramps: Muscles begin to cramp, beginning symptoms of a heat emergency. Go to a cool place DO NOT MASSAGE THE CRAMPS Relax; drink lots of water and Gatorade. Cool down completely before going back out in the heat, and be sure to take it easy, because your risk of heat exhaustion is high.

Heat Exhaustion: May come on suddenly or proceeded by headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, extremely sweaty, pale, breathing fast and shallow, and sometimes abdominal cramping (stomach cramps) Move to a cool place Remove as much clothing as possible Sponge him/her with water Sit he/she in front of a fan or fan them off. BE SURE TO NOT GET TO COLD SIP water and Gatorade If him/her goes unconscious or him/her does not fill better call 911

Heat Stroke: MEDICAL EMERGENY CALL 911. Sudden onset, he/she will stop sweating, or will not be sweating anymore, skin will be hot, flushed (red), headache, dizziness, and dryness of mouth. Unresponsiveness or seizure may follow. Move he/she to cool place Call 911 Remove as much clothing as possible. Cool him/her off by sponging water on them Sit in front of fan if conscious and able to sit up Watch and wait for EMS to arrive.

Simple Rules to follow to keep you healthy and safe: Take breaks to cool off. Drink plenty of water AND Gatorade, or any sports drink. Do not wait till you get thirst to drink water and/or Gatorade, your body is dehydrated already. Try to stay away from drinks with caffeine, such as soda pop, ice tea, and coffee.