Community Corner

Know the Signs and Take Heat-Related Illness Seriously

As heat wave continues, using safety precautions and knowing the signs of problems could save your own life or that of another.

A heat wave scorching the Midwest this week could produce potentially life-threatening illness in our area as temperatures nearing 100 and high humidity are expected to produce heat index values exceeding 105 degrees by Thursday.

Extreme heat and high humidity require the body to work harder to maintain a normal temperature because evaporation of perspiration is slowed. Heat can kill by pushing the body beyond its limits, the Oakland County Health Department advises.

Older adults, young children and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to be affected by extreme heat. 

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The following are heat-related conditions and what you can do about them:

Condition Symptoms First Aid

Sunburn

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  • Skin redness and pain
  • Possible swelling, blisters, fever and headaches.
  • Take a shower using soap to remove oils that may block pores, preventing the body from cooling naturally.
  • Apply dry, sterile dressings to any blisters and get medical attention.

Heat Cramps

  • Painful spasms, usually in leg and abdominal muscles.
  • Heavy sweating.
  • Get the victim to a cooler location.
  • Lightly stretch and gently massage affected muscles to relieve spasms.
  • Give sips of up to a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes.
  • Discontinue liquids if victim is nauseated.

Heat Exhaustion

  • Heavy sweating but skin may be cool, pale or flushed.
  • Weak pulse.
  • Normal body temperature possible, but will likely rise.
  • Fainting or dizziness, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion and headaches are possible.
  • Get victim to lie down in a cool place.
  • Loosen or remove clothing.
  • Apply cool, wet clothes.
  • Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place.
  • Give sips of water if victim is conscious.
  • Be sure water is consumed slowly.
  • Give half glass of cool water every 15 minutes.
  • Discontinue water if victim is nauseated.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if vomiting occurs.

Heat Stroke
(a severe medical emergency)

  • High body temperatures (105 degrees or higher)
  • Hot, red, dry skin.
  • Rapid, weak pulse.
  • Rapid shallow breathing.
  • Victim will probably not sweat unless they were sweating from recent strenuous activity.
  • Possible unconsciousness.
  • Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal.
  • Move victim to a cooler environment.
  • Remove clothing.
  • Try a cool bath, sponging, or wet sheet to reduce body temperature.
  • Watch for breathing problems.
  • Use fans and air conditioners.

Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency


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