Heat Related Emergencies

1. Heat Related Emergencies Cindy Burnette MSN, RN, CA-CP SANE Trauma Outreach Coordinator for Education and Injury Prevention Medical Center Hospital

2. Heat related emergencies are a health crisis caused by exposure to hot weather and sun • Heat Stress • Heat Exhaustion • Heat Stroke What are heat emergencies?

3. Who is at Risk? Young Children People aged 65 and older Outdoor laborers Athletes

4. How does our body work to cool itself? Conduction- Heat loss through direct contact with a cool object Convection- the dissipation of heat when cool air passes over exposed skin Radiation-the release of heat from the body into the environment Evaporation- through perspiration

5. The Heat Index Air Temperature + Relative Humidity The human body normally cools itself by perspiring and then evaporating Relative Humidity reduces the evaporation rate High humidity reduces the body’s ability to get rid of excess heat

7. High temperatures and high humidity • Direct sun or heat • Limited air movement • Physical exertion • Poor physical condition • Protective clothing • Some medications- beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, laxatives • Inadequate tolerance for increased heat Factors Leading to heat Related Emergencies

8. First stage of a Heat Emergency • Muscle pain and tightness • More likely to happen to the elderly, small children, overweight individuals, and those drinking alcohol Heat Stress

9. Muscle Cramps • Dizziness and Fatigue • Headache • Irritability • Nausea or Vomiting • Flushed Skin that is Hot to the Touch (up to 104° F) • Heavy Sweating • Visual disturbances • Rapid pulse Heat Exhaustion

10. Heat Stroke May have all the signs of heat exhaustion plus: Dry, hot skin usually without sweating Confusion Rapid shallow breathing Rapid weak pulse Seizures Loss of consciousness Body temperatures that can reach 105° F

11. At first sign of a heat related emergency: • Move the person to a cooler area and out of direct sunlight • Gently message the cramping muscles • Offer water or a sports drink every 15 minutes- drink slowly! Treating Heat Related Emergencies- Heat Cramps

12. Move the person to a cooler area and out of direct sunlight • Loosen clothing and/or remove out layers • Apply cool, wet towels to the face, neck, chest, and limbs • Fan the individual’s skin • Offer cool water or a sports drink every 15 minutes • If symptoms do not improve or get worse call 911 or go to the Emergency Room Treating Heat Related Emergencies- Heat Exhaustion

13. Heat stroke is a life threatening emergency, call 911 • Move the person to a cooler area and out of direct sunlight • Loosen clothing and/or remove out layers • Fan the individual’s skin • Apply cool, wet towels to the face, neck, chest, and limbs • Apply ice pack to neck, armpits and groin • Offer cool water or sports drink every 15 minutes Treating Heat Related Emergencies- Heat Stroke

14. Preventing Heat Related Emergencies Drink Plenty of Fluids- avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks Wear appropriate clothes- light colored, light weight, wide brim hats Stay Indoors During Mid-Day- between 10am-6pm Watch the Heat Index Seek Air-Conditioned Environments Know the Warning Signs of Heat-Related Emergencies

15. ALWAYS call 911 if the heat emergency is causing vomiting, seizures, or loss of consciousness • Do not give the individual anything to drink if they are vomiting or unconscious • Never give the individual a drink containing caffeine or alcohol Important Points to remember!

16. Vital organ damage, especially brain and kidney • Death- 40% of heat related deaths come from Texas, Arizona, and California • Heat stroke causes about 700 deaths per year Potential Complications from heat emergencies

19. Questions? Comments?