Heat StressCase Study

Martin Duley – QHSE Manager

References: ISOS & OGP Report 6.70/279

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Catalysts to Heat Illness

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Age / Weight

Chronic conditions (heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes)

Medications (drugs for depression, circulation issues, psychiatric conditions)

Lifestyle (fit, nutritious diet, alcohol)

Activity levels

Adjustment

Clinical Disorders

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Heat Rash (prickly heat)

Heat Cramps

Heat Syncope

Heat Exhaustion

Heat Stroke

Heat Rash

SYMPTOMS• Itchy rash – red cluster of pimples or small blisters• Usually appear in areas where sweat collects (neck, chest, groin, elbow creases and other skin

folds)

MANAGEMENT• Cool the skin; take time out, cool showers• Keep the rash dry; cotton clothing – avoid synthetic materials that don’t ‘breathe’• Avoid ointments and oily creams; moisture can make rash worse

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Heat Cramps

SYMPTOMS• Muscle pain or spasms• Can appear at time of physical activity or later – even when not active• Usually appears in the muscles being used (arms, legs, abdomen)

MANAGEMENT• Stop activity and rest in cool place• Drink clear juice or sports drink• Gently massage painful areas• Rest for several hours after cramps have gone• Seek professional medical help if cramps last for more than one hour

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Heat Syncope (heat collapse)

CAUSES• Not enough blood reaching the brain• More common when blood pools in legs (standing still for a long time or standing suddenly from a

seated or lying position)

SYMPTOMS• Feeling dizzy and light headed• Fainting

MANAGEMENT• Lie down in a cool place – symptoms will improve as blood returns to brain• Slowly drink water, clear juice or a sports drink• Seek professional medical advice if there is injury, loss of consciousness, victim does not improve

after lying down or signs of heat stroke are present

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Heat Exhaustion – wet, white and weak

SYMPTOMS• Pale or flushed• Skin is cool and moist (sweating)• Dizzy or passing out, feeling weak, clumsy and a little confused• Headache / Nausea • Fast, weak pulse

MANAGEMENT• Stop activity / lie down in a cool place• Remove / loosen tight clothing• Slowly drink water, clear juice or a sports drink• Cool shower or sponge off with cool water• Victim may refuse water or vomit• Seek professional medical advice

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Heat Stroke (sunstroke)

SYMPTOMS• High body temperature • Hot & dry skin – not sweaty• Fast strong pulse• Throbbing headache• Dizzy, nauseous, vomiting• Acting confused

• Seeing or hearing imaginary things, • Clumsy or aggressive

• Loss of consciousness • Seizure or convulsions

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Heat Stroke (sunstroke)

MANAGEMENT• Call for emergency medical help• Move to a cooler place and lie down• Cool the victim by removing / loosening clothing• Cool the skin with water, sponge or a cool wet sheet. Bath only if consious• Make a breeze• Place ice packs on neck, groin & armpits• Offer cool water• Take temperature every ten minutes• Stop cooling efforts when temperature reaches 38.5-39 deg C• Watch for breathing – it may stop and be prepared to give rescue breathing if needed

Don’t let victim get too cool. Do not let person gulp liquids – ½ glass every 15 minutes

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Prevention and Mitigation Measures

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Risk Assessment

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Risk Assessment

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Initiatives

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Case Studies

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Thank you