Heat emergencies occurs if exposed to hot weather and the sun. It is important to note that heat emergencies have 3 phases – heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. These phases are considered serious.
Prompt treatment in the initial phase of the condition can prevent heatstroke which can be deadly or cause lasting complications. Call for emergency assistance or bring the individual to the emergency department if a heat illness causes seizures, vomiting or loss of consciousness.
What are the signs of heat emergencies?
Depending on the phase of heat emergencies, you should be familiar with the signs.
Heat cramps
Heat cramps are the initial phase of heat emergency. It typically occurs after being physically active under the sun but can still occur even if not active. The usual signs include muscle pain and tightness.
Heat exhaustion
The usual signs include:
- Muscle cramping
- Headache
- Mild confusion
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Rapid heart rate or breathing
- Pale skin
- Excessive thirst
- Heavy sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
Heatstroke
When it comes to heatstroke, all the signs of heat exhaustion are present along with the following:
- Confusion
- Body temperature higher than 104 degrees F
- Dry skin
- Hallucinations or irrational behavior
- Seizures
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Weak, rapid pulse
- Loss of consciousness
Management
During heat emergencies, particularly in the initial 2 phases, the following must be done:
- Call for emergency assistance or bring the individual to the emergency department if the individual is experiencing seizures, vomiting or loss of consciousness.
- Do not provide anything to drink if unconscious or vomiting.
- Do not offer any beverage that contains caffeine or alcohol.
Heat cramps
If an individual is suspected with heat cramps, you must perform the following:
- Transfer the individual to a cool area, away from direct sunlight.
- Massage the affected muscle and stretch gently
- Provide cool water or sports beverage at 15-minute intervals
Heat exhaustion
- Transfer the individual to a cool area, out of direct sunlight.
- Loosen any tight clothing.
- Apply cool, damp towels on the neck, face, chest and limbs
- Provide cool water or sports drinks every 15 minutes
- The individual should not drink too rapidly
Heatstroke
As a life-threatening form of heat emergencies, call for emergency assistance or bring the individual to the nearest emergency department.
- Move the individual to a cool area, away from direct sunlight.
- Any tight clothing should be loosened.
- Apply a cool, damp towel on the neck, face, limbs and chest. If ice is available, apply on the wrists, underarms and groin.
- Fan the skin of the individual.
- Provide sports drink or cool water every 15 minutes if conscious.
Quick Note / Disclaimer
The material posted on this page on heat emergencies is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize the indications and how to manage heat emergencies, register for a first aid and CPR course with Ottawa First Aid.