As temperatures rise, so can problems related to heat – especially for those working outdoors.

It is important to remember that heat-related illness should be taken seriously.  It is strongly related to the heat index with the risk being highest when temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit.  Heat-related illness risk is also exacerbated by humidity.  When the relative humidity is higher than 60%, the body’s cooling mechanism of sweat evaporation is hampered.

Knowing and understanding the differences in warning signs between heat exhaustion and heat stroke are crucial to avoid serious health impacts from heat-related exposure.  Keep in mind that these illnesses are not independent of each other.  Untreated heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion usually develops after several days of exposure to high temperatures.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:  dizziness and fainting; fatigue; excessive sweating; rapid, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; cool, pale clammy skin; muscle cramps; and a body temperature between normal, or 98.6 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heat stroke is a SERIOUS medical emergency.  It can be fatal or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs.  Heat stroke is a failure of the body’s temperature control system.

Symptoms of heat stroke include:  throbbing headache; fatigue; absence of sweating; rapid, strong pulse; nausea or vomiting; red, hot dry skin; loss of consciousness or seizures; and a body temperature > 104° Fahrenheit.  The following video provides some information to help you understand the differences between the warning signs for heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

https://youtu.be/mmuYl0sivaA

First Aid for Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion symptoms are a warning system for your body and it is essential that anyone showing symptoms of heat exhaustion receive treatment as soon as possible. Pre-existing health conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure, can increase your risks.

If you or a fellow crewmate are exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion, it is important to:

• Drink fluids in slowly administered sips;
• Rest in a cool, shaded area or retreat to an air conditioned field vehicle;
• Rest on their back with their feet elevated;
• Loosen clothing and apply cool, moist cloths to the body or fan them.  Get creative, if necessary, and use shade or nearby bodies of water to cool off.
• If symptoms fail to subside after treatment or worsen, seek medical attention.

If you fail to react and treat the symptoms of heat exhaustion, the situation can advance to heat stroke, which is a serious, life-threatening medical emergency.

First Aid for Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that must be treated immediately.  Advancement to heat stroke means that the victim is running out of time.

If someone exhibits the symptoms of heat stroke, take the following actions:

• Immediately call 911 or transport them to a hospital;
• While waiting for an ambulance, try to move the victim to a cool, shaded environment;
• Remove any unnecessary clothing;
• Apply cool compresses to skin focusing on armpits, groin, neck, or back.  Alternatively, you could submerse the affected person in an ice bath.  If the wait will be long because you are in the field, you may need to get creative.   If you’re working near a cool or cold body of water, try to cool the victim in the water.

Prevention of Heat-Related Illness

It can be challenging to avoid heat-related illness if your research requires you to work in the field during the summer months.  Follow these tips to help prevent heat-related illness:

• Fluid Replacement
  • Always drink plenty of water – don’t wait until you FEEL thirsty
  • To replace the 4-8 quarts of sweat that may be produced in hot environments, humans require 0.5-1 cup of water every 20 minutes
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol
• Limit Exposure Time
  • If possible schedule work for the coolest parts of the day – early morning or late afternoon/early evening
• Take Rest Breaks
  • Frequent, regular intervals, preferably in a cool, shaded environment
  • Anyone experiencing extreme heat discomfort should rest immediately
• Wear Permeable, Loose Fitting Clothing