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Doctor's Speak
Considerations
Heat illness may be viewed as a continuum of illnesses relating to the body's inability to cope with heat. It includes minor illnesses, such as heat edema, heat rash (ie, prickly heat), heat cramps, heat tetany, as well as heat syncope and heat exhaustion.
Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 104°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency treatment.
Rising global warming increases ambient temperature and humidity both. With each degree of warming, atmospheric water vapor grows approximately by 6 to 7%, potentially pushing heat stress exposure to beyond human tolerance at many places
With the influence of global warming, it is predicted that the incidence of heat stroke cases and fatalities will also become more prevalent.
Two forms of heat stroke exist.
Exertional heat stroke (EHS) generally occurs in young individuals who engage in strenuous physical activity for a prolonged period in a hot environment.
Classic nonexertional heat stroke (NEHS) occurs during environmental heat waves and is more common in areas that do not typically experience periods of prolonged hot weather.
Both types of heat stroke are associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially when cooling therapy is delayed.
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
- Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness (coma)
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Seizures
- Very high body temperature
- Fatal if treatment delayed
First Aid
- -Move the worker to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing.
- -Cool the worker quickly, using the following methods:
- -With a cold water or ice bath, if possible
Wet the skin
- -Place cold wet cloths on the skin
- -Soak clothing with cool water
- -Circulate the air around the worker to speed cooling.
- -Place cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits, and groin; or soak the clothing with cool water.