Effects  of  the  Heat

 

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Hyperthermia

Effects Of the Heat.

    Children are able to dissipate heat effectively in a mild climate. However, unlike Adults, Children are less able to deal with the effects of heat, when exercising in temperatures

that exceed 35°c (95°f). Higher the air temperature, the greater the effect on the child.  Humidity is also a major component of heat stress, sometimes more than air temperature.

    It is important to learn to recognise this condition early. As it is easy to miss, and

can develop rapidly if not treated. Regulating your body temperature and drinking enough water will help prevent most, if not all of these conditions.  

 

 

 

Heat Exhaustion:

 

Due to Water Loss.

    This can be a serious condition when coursed by Water Depletion. And may lead ultimately to death, if not treated immediately.

 

    Symptoms include, thirst, fatigue, loss of appetite & nausea, headache, giddiness,

rapid or weakening pulse, sweating with pale clammy skin, raised body temperature, low

urine output and ultimately delirium then coma

 

    Help the casualty to lie down in a cool area. Raise his/her legs. If conscious help him/her to sip water. The only treatment is to re-establish the water balance.

 

 

Due to Salt Depletion.

    Similar symptoms are manifested when due to Salt Depletion, though without any noticeable rise in body temperature. But, this is almost always associated with severe muscle cramp. This can be serious if not treated by the addition of salt to the diet.

 

    Most victims are unaware that they are suffering from the depletion of salt. 

Preventing these serious conditions is relatively simple drinking plenty of water

(Not Soda), and when hot, add a very small amount of salt to the water or food will

help. Most of all regulate your temperature.

 

    Help the casualty to lie down in a cool area. Raise his/her legs. If conscious help him/her to sip weak salted water, (one teaspoon per litre of water).

 

 

 

Heat Stroke:

 

    Mistaken for sunstroke. Though less common, this is the most severe, and the most deadly of all the heat disorders. This is coursed by the failure of the body’s thermostat. There are two types of heat stroke, each affecting a specific group of patients.

 

 

Classic Heat Stroke.

    Usually occurs during heat waves and effects the very old, the very young. Patients with diabetes or heart disease are particularly susceptible. As are patients taking

certain medications, (seek med’ advise)

 

    In high temperatures the patient sweats continuously until at a certain point the patient becomes too dehydrated to sweat. With the absence of sweating, the skin is

hot flushed & dry to the touch.

 

    Symptoms may be headaches, dizziness, aggressive behaviour, irritability, confused, lack of co-ordination, rapid pulse, a rapid deterioration in the level   of responses, body temp’ above 40°c (105°f). Respirations are usually rapid. Other central nervous system disturbances include: tremors, seizures, fixed and dilated pupils, and abnormal posture

may also be a sign.

 

 

Exertional Heat Stroke.

    Affects the young & fit, usually the athletic person exercising in hot and humid conditions. As stated earlier, when the air temperature approaches body temperature,

and the humidity rises above 60%, sweating alone no longer is an effective means of cooling. If the person continues exercising under such conditions, the body temperature

will continue to rise without the means of cooling down. As the heat continues to build up, the core temperature will rise very quickly.

 

    In exertional heat stroke, hyperpyrexia (high fever) occurs without dehydration, because fluid loss through sweating is prevented due to the high humidity Both types

of heat stroke show similar signs and symptoms, which may or may not be recognized

as the consequence of heat exposure.   

 

    Administer treatment for Heat Stroke quickly, while supporting vital functions. Move patient into a cool place, and remove outer clothing. Place a damp cloth over the patient. Keep the cloth cool by wetting. When temperature has fallen to a safe level, replace wet cloth with a dry one.

 

 

Heat Cramps:

 

    Heat cramps are muscle pains, usually in the lower extremities, the abdomen or

both. This occurs because of constant sweating and continuous salt depletion. Heat

Cramps often effect people in good physical condition who are working or playing in high temperatures of humidity. A person exerting themselves in a hot environment will become thirsty and will increase their in take of fluids. But if the person is sweating continuously he will lose fluids and salt across his skin.

 

    Drinks of water may replace the fluid, but it will not replace the lost salt. As the person continues to sweat and drink, the concentration of body salt is progressively

diluted, leading to sodium deficiency in the blood.

 

    Heat Cramps usually come on suddenly during vigorous activity. They may be mild,

with only a slight abdominal cramping with tingling in the extremities. More often they present a severe pain in the extremities and abdomen.

 

    The patient may feel very tense and nauseous, though he may remain alert. The

pulse is generally rapid, the skin will be pale and moist, the temperature is usually

normal. Untreated, Heat cramps can develop into Heat Exhaustion.

 

    Move patient in a cool place, if feeling faint help patient   to lie down. If patient

in Not feeling nauseous, give him/her a salt - containing drink, (e.g. Gatorade with ½ teaspoon of salt added). Ask the patient to drink slowly. Only give patient diluted salt,

and do Not give salt tablets. Seek medical attention.

 

 

Sunburn:

 

    This can be very severe especially to those who have sensitive skin. Sunburn can interfere with sweat secretion and may lead to complications related to heat. Use a cream, which does not interfere with sweating, and cuts out most of the Ultra-Violet radiation.

 

    Apply the cream to those areas most affected by the sun. Such as; nose, ears, lips, shoulders & back of the neck.

 

    Help the casualty into shade or indoors.Cool his/her skin by sponging with cool water. Give him/her frequent sips of water. Mild sunburn can be treated effectively with a   Calamine Lotion.

 

 

 

                First Aid & Procedures for Heat Illness:

 

    You are working in the high heat of summer. The children are running around in the

heat of the day unaware of the problems that they can have. Suddenly, someone is

feeling “ill”. What is wrong?  How can you help?  What should you do? Could this have

been prevented? A staff member has a headache, and is feeling giddy & very fatigued. Their skin looks pale and clammy. They soon start to feel faint.

 

    These are some of the signs of Heat Exhaustion. What can you do? The firstly,

you get the patient into a cool area, and help him/her to lie down. Raise the legs, as

this will improve the blood flow to the brain. If patient is conscious and is NOT feeling nauseous, help him/her to sip water.

 

    If you are out on a hike, trip or camp and a scout becomes “Ill”. What   do you do?  Well, the treatment of the patient is the same, no matter where you are.

 

    Your priority is to preserve life. Lie the patient down. If the patient is NOT feeling nauseous help him/her to sip water. While you are helping the scout, someone should be getting in touch with the emergence services. Tell them who you are, Exactly where you are, and what the problem is.

 

   It’s very important that you keep the group calm and together. Give the scouts something to do. Ask one or two scouts to keep talking to the patient, calmly. Try to

keep him/her conscious.

 

    If the patient falls unconscious, Put him/her in to the recovery position. Clear the airway, and monitor the patients pulse. Ask the other members of the group to help.

 

 

    If you have any concerns about health of any member of your team, Don’t hesitate.

It’s better to be safe than sorry.

 

 

If Not Sure, Ask. 

 

 

Be Smart,   Be Cool,  Be Prepared.

 

 Always Seek Medical Advice ASAP.