Heat Related Emergencies Cindy Burnette MSN, RN, CA-CP SANE Trauma Outreach Coordinator for Education and Injury Prevention Medical Center Hospital

What are heat emergencies? Heat related emergencies are a health crisis caused by exposure to hot weather and sun Heat Stress Heat Exhaustion Heat Stroke

Who is at Risk? Young Children People aged 65 and older Outdoor laborers Athletes

How does our body work to cool itself? Conduction- Heat loss through direct contact with a cool object Convection- the dissipation of heat when cool air passes over exposed skin Radiation-the release of heat from the body into the environment Evaporation- through perspiration

The Heat Index Air Temperature + Relative Humidity The human body normally cools itself by perspiring and then evaporating Relative Humidity reduces the evaporation rate High humidity reduces the body’s ability to get rid of excess heat

Factors Leading to heat Related Emergencies High temperatures and high humidity Direct sun or heat Limited air movement Physical exertion Poor physical condition Protective clothing Some medications- beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, laxatives Inadequate tolerance for increased heat

Heat Stress First stage of a Heat Emergency Muscle pain and tightness More likely to happen to the elderly, small children, overweight individuals, and those drinking alcohol

Heat Exhaustion Muscle Cramps Dizziness and Fatigue Headache Irritability Nausea or Vomiting Flushed Skin that is Hot to the Touch (up to 104° F) Heavy Sweating Visual disturbances Rapid pulse

Heat Stroke May have all the signs of heat exhaustion plus: Dry, hot skin usually without sweating Confusion Rapid shallow breathing Rapid weak pulse Seizures Loss of consciousness Body temperatures that can reach 105° F

Treating Heat Related Emergencies- Heat Cramps At first sign of a heat related emergency: Move the person to a cooler area and out of direct sunlight Gently message the cramping muscles Offer water or a sports drink every 15 minutes- drink slowly!

Treating Heat Related Emergencies- Heat Exhaustion Move the person to a cooler area and out of direct sunlight Loosen clothing and/or remove out layers Apply cool, wet towels to the face, neck, chest, and limbs Fan the individual’s skin Offer cool water or a sports drink every 15 minutes If symptoms do not improve or get worse call 911 or go to the Emergency Room

Treating Heat Related Emergencies- Heat Stroke Heat stroke is a life threatening emergency, call 911 Move the person to a cooler area and out of direct sunlight Loosen clothing and/or remove out layers Fan the individual’s skin Apply cool, wet towels to the face, neck, chest, and limbs Apply ice pack to neck, armpits and groin Offer cool water or sports drink every 15 minutes

Preventing Heat Related Emergencies Drink Plenty of Fluids- avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks Wear appropriate clothes- light colored, light weight, wide brim hats Stay Indoors During Mid-Day- between 10am-6pm Watch the Heat Index Seek Air-Conditioned Environments Know the Warning Signs of Heat-Related Emergencies

Important Points to remember! ALWAYS call 911 if the heat emergency is causing vomiting, seizures, or loss of consciousness Do not give the individual anything to drink if they are vomiting or unconscious Never give the individual a drink containing caffeine or alcohol

Potential Complications from heat emergencies Vital organ damage, especially brain and kidney Death- 40% of heat related deaths come from Texas, Arizona, and California Heat stroke causes about 700 deaths per year

Questions? Comments?