Dealing with a Heat Wave and Avoiding Heatstroke

Although the elderly are more likely to suffer from the effects of extreme heat, our body temperatures are controlled by our environment rather than by our own regulatory systems, thus putting everyone at risk. Learning how to avoid as well as treat heatstroke could save lives.

People over sixty are much more likely to feel the effects of a heat wave, particularly if they have a pre-existing medical condition, such as heart disease , diabetes , lung or kidney disease. In order for the body to cool itself, it needs to sweat, so it is important that people taking diuretics, tranquilizers and heart and blood pressure medications take extra precautions in extreme heat because these medications could hinder the body`s ability to sweat. Humidity also plays a big role in heat exhaustion , because it retards the skin from allowing moisture to evaporate. Evaporation is a process that cools the body, but when it is very humid outside, moisture (sweat) can not evaporate and stays on the skin, hindering the natural cooling process.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Heatstroke is the more serious condition and more often than not, it is proceeded by heat exhaustion. A person suffering from heat exhaustion will get light- headed and sleepy, and the skin will become pale and clammy. Headache, nausea and vomiting are common, but no fever will develop. The victim will become extremely dehydrated and the heart rate will speed up. If heat exhaustion is not treated quickly, the victim may progress to the life threatening heatstroke.

Heat Exhaustion First Aid

If you notice that someone is suffering with more than one sign of heat exhaustion, call emergency medical services.

• Move the victim to a cooler place.
• Apply a cold compress to the extremities as well as behind the neck, and fan them lightly. Undress them if necessary.
• If the victim is alert enough, give them small amounts of water, but be mindful of nausea or vomiting. If this happens, discontinue giving them water.
• Have the victim lie down with feet raised 8-12 inches.

Signs of Heat Stroke

• Severe headaches
• Rapid heartbeat
• Unconsciousness
• Confusion or delirium
• Warm, dry skin (because the body is no longer able to sweat)
• Fever of greater than 104 degrees
• Muscle twitching
• Seizure
• Death

Call 911 immediately if you see someone with these signs.

Precautions

• Don't go outside during the hottest times of the day, or stay in the shade.
• Spend time in a cool place. If you don't have air conditioning, go somewhere that does, such as a friend's home, a library. or a mall.
• Drink extra water , and avoid alcoholic drinks and drinks with caffeine.
• Wear loose-fitting cotton clothes.
• Check weather reports and try to plan ahead for hot days.

* Be sure to check in on relatives or friends who might be at higher risk of heat-related illness due to advanced age or medical conditions. Make sure that they're staying cool on hot days.