Heat Waves - Heat And Health
temperature water aid victim
If you look at the chart below, you can see the potential health risks as the temperature rises. The hotter it gets based on the heat index chart, the more serious the health effects are.
For example, if the heat index is:
80–90°F
26.7–32.2°C
26.7–32.2°C
Fatigue is likely with long exposure to heat or the sun's rays or during outdoor activity.
90–100°F
32.22–38°C
32.22–38°C
Heatstroke (sunstroke), heat cramps, and heat exhaustion are possible.
105–130°F
40.6–54.4°C
40.6–54.4°C
Heatstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion are likely.
130° or greater 54.4°C
Heatstroke is highly likely.
The table on the facing page tells you what each danger is, the symptoms to look for, and what first aid is necessary for each condition.
Heat Disorder
Symptoms
First Aid
Sunburn
Redness and pain. In severe cases, swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches.
Ointment for mild cases if blisters appear. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by a doctor.
Heat Cramps
Painful spasms usually in the muscles of the legs and abdomen. Heavy sweating.
Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve cramping. Give sips of water, as cramping is caused by loss of water and salt imbalance. If nausea occurs, stop giving water.
Heat Exhaustion
Heavy sweating, weakness, cold skin that is pale and clammy. Pulse weak, maybe irregular. Fainting and vomiting (normal body temperature is possible).
Get out of the sun. Lay down and loosen clothes. Apply cool, wet cloths, and fan victim or move to an air-conditioned room. Give sips of water, but stop if it causes nausea. If vomiting continues, go to the emergency room or see a doctor immediately.
Heat Stroke (Sunstroke)
High body temperature (106°F or higher). Hot, red, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible loss of consciousness.
HEAT STROKE IS A SEVERE MEDICAL EMERGENCY. GET MEDICAL AID OR GET VICTIM TO A HOSPITAL AT ONCE. DELAY CAN BE FATAL.
Move the victim to a cooler environment. Reduce body temperature with a cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat this process. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS.
Move the victim to a cooler environment. Reduce body temperature with a cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat this process. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS.
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