Heat
Stress
Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that occur when the
body loses
electrolytes during profuse sweating or when inadequate
electrolytes are taken into the body. They usually begin in the arms, legs
or abdomen, and often precede heat exhaustion.
Treatment for heat cramps is to rest in the shade, get near a fan,
spray the person with water and massage the cramp
Heat exhaustion is a medical emergency. When a person is suffering
from
heat exhaustion, they will perspire profusely and most likely will be pale.
It is best treated by taking the patient to a cool place, applying cool
compresses, elevating the feet and giving the patient fluids.
Heat stroke is the worst heat-related injury.
The brain has lost its ability to regulate body temperature.
The patient will be hot, reddish and warm to the touch. Their temperature
will be
markedly high and there will be no perspiration. This is a medical emergency,
call 9-1-1.
The emergency care of heatstroke is to cool the body as quickly as possible.
One of the best methods for cooling the body during a heat
emergency is to wrap the patient in cool, wet sheets.