Heat Stress Training Marching Band Members

Introduction Heat-related health problems can be serious. Even when all efforts are made to ensure safe conditions for activities, it’s not always possible to regulate temperature – or to predict individual reactions to heat.

Physical Hazards of Working in Hot Conditions  Normally, the body is able to maintain a safe temperature through perspiration and other physical control mechanisms.  But sometimes, especially when the temperature and humidity are both high for a prolonged period, the body’s ability to tolerate heat may be compromised.  This is especially true when individuals fail to observe precautions necessary for doing activities safely in hot conditions.

Symptoms of Heat Stress Heat exhaustion Heat exhaustion often occurs as a result of heavy sweating and dehydration. These are some of the symptoms:  Dizziness  Headache  Weakness  Elevated pulse  Nausea  Cramps  Chest pain  Difficulty breathing

Symptoms of Heat Stress Heat stroke Heat stroke involves a highly elevated body temperature, and it can be life threatening. In addition to the symptom above, heatstroke may involve these:  Rapid pulse  Dry, reddened skin, no perspiration  Confusion or delirium, or loss of consciousness

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke What to Do?  You can’t control the weather. Even indoor temperatures can sometimes be hard to regulate, depending on the activity.  What you can do to protect yourself is to be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and to follow some simple precautions when you expect to do any activities in hot conditions.

Preventing Heat Stress Illness - Protection  Dress for the weather. To many people, this means wearing as little as possible in the sun – but that’s a bad idea. Instead, choose lightweight, light-colored clothing that covers as much of you as possible. Your clothes should be loose-fitting, and natural fabrics – cotton, which “breathes” – are preferred. Always wear a hat, the wider-brimmed the better.  Wear sunscreen. Cover as much of your body as possible with clothing, and cover the rest with sunscreen. Try to stay out of the direct sun whenever possible. Also, be aware that you can get sunburned even when it’s overcast – and that the effect of sun reflected off water, sand or concrete is even stronger.

Preventing Heat Stress Illness - Hydration  Drink lots of fluids. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Dehydration is a major factor in heat stress; while everyone responds differently, very few people realize how much they need to drink in hot weather, especially when they’re active. Avoid using alcohol, caffeine or carbonated beverages 24 hours before an activity; minimize intake of fatty or salty foods.  Recommended range of water intake:  Before activity – within 2 hours, oz.  During activity – every half hour, 12 – 16 oz.  After activity – additional oz. Remember – Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

During Activities – Water Bottles  Have your own individual container of water available Example of a portable water container  Drink water continually at every opportunity

During Activities – Hydration Packs  Hydration packs will be available from the Music Department  Each contains up to 70 oz. of liquid  Be sure to follow the instructions for care and use provided with the pack  Distribution/reclamation to be administrated by the Music Department

During Activities - Breaks  Always take advantage of every break opportunity to drink water  Seek shade wherever possible during breaks  Remember to refill water container frequently  SPEAK UP IF YOU NEED TO TAKE A BREAK!

Treating Heat Stress - What to do first… The initial treatment for heat exhaustion and heatstroke is identical:  Get the victim out of the sun and into the shade – or ideally, into an indoor cool air-conditioned location  Lay the person down and loosen or remove excess clothing  Apply cool compresses

Treating Heat Stress – Heat Exhaustion  In the case of heat exhaustion, elevate the victim’s feet slightly and give them cool (not iced) water to drink.  Continue to rest and hydrate until symptoms abate.  Watch carefully for symptoms of heat stroke: If confusion, delirium, or elevated temperature occurs, call for medical help immediately.

Treating Heat Stress – Heat Stroke  In the case of heat stroke, get medical assistance immediately.  While waiting for professional help to arrive, use whatever means you can to bring the victim’s temperature down. Fan them, cover them with damp sheets, even spray them with a hose.  Monitor temperature if at all possible, and try to have someone who knows CPR standing by – just in case.

Conclusion By taking a few simple precautions the chance of suffering from heat stress can be greatly reduced. Whenever working under high temperature conditions, the signs of heat stress should always be watched for. If the onset of heat stress is suspected, treatment should begin immediately and medical help called for if necessary.