Heat Illness Recognition/Review

Shirley Liu

SVM Safety (VMTH)

(530)219-0632

sleung@ucdavis.edu

What is Heat Illness?

• A potentially serious medical condition resulting from the body’s inability to cope with a particular heat load.

• Conditions of heat illness: • heat cramps

• heat syncope

• heat exhaustion

• heat stroke

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are muscle spasms due to heavy sweating. They usually affect the arms, legs, back or abdominal muscles. This can be caused by inadequate consumption of fluids or electrolytes.

Heat Cramps - Treatment

• Rest in a cool environment

• Drink plenty of fluids while you rest, preferably a sports drink such as Gatorade or an electrolyte beverage

• Gentle stretching or massage

• Seek medical care if cramps persist- may indicate muscle injury (destruction)

Heat Syncope

• Heat Syncope or fainting results from physical exertion when it is hot. It occurs when the blood vessels dilate to an extent that blood to the brain is reduced

• Symptoms include: • Feeling faint or lightheaded

• Pale, cool, and moist skin

• Lightheadedness when you change position

• Risk increases when you have not acclimated to a hot environment

Heat Syncope - Treatment

• Rest in a cool environment

• Drink plenty of fluid

• Seek immediate medical attention for repeated episodes of fainting or if the individual experiences chest pains, seizures, or confusion.

Heat Exhaustion

• Heat exhaustion occurs after you have been exposed to high temperatures and is often accompanied by dehydration

• Symptoms include: • Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Confusion

• Headache

• Profuse sweating

Heat Exhaustion - Treatment

• Rest in a cool environment

• Loosen clothing

• Drink plenty of fluid (water or electrolyte drink)

• Wipe yourself down with a damp cloth or take a cool shower

• Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, symptoms persist for more than an hour, if fever of 102˚F or higher is present, or if nausea and vomiting prevents you from drinking fluids

Heat Stroke

• Heat stroke is a life threatening illness. It occurs when the body has depleted its supply of water and salt, and the victim's body temperature rises to deadly levels.

• Symptoms include: • Core body temperature greater than 105˚F • Red, hot, dry skin • Rapid heartbeat • Difficulty breathing • Nausea and vomiting • Seizures • Headache • Confusion, disorientation • Throbbing headache • Unconsciousness

Heatstroke - Treatment

• Call 9-1-1 and treat the patient until EMT arrives. It is vital to lower the patient’s body temperature!

• Move the patient into an air conditioned room

• Loosen and remove any unnecessary clothing

• Apply ice packs, pour water on patient, or fan air while wetting his or her skin

• Rehydrate, if possible

Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke

Heat Illness Precautions and Preventions

• Hydrate – Drink plenty of fluids

• Rest in the shade

• Clothing – Lightweight, light-colored when working outdoors

• Acclimate – Condition yourself for working in hot environments

• Report heat symptoms early

• Know what to do in an emergency

Resources

UC Davis Heat Illness Prevention Training – LMS

UC Davis Heat Illness Prevention Manual

UC Davis SafetyNet #123 Heat Illness Prevention

UC Davis Policy and Procedure Manual 290-52 Heat Illness Prevention

California Code of Regulations

Title 8. Section 3395. Heat Illness Prevention