The National Weather Service in Louisville Kentucky issued a heat advisory for today. Temperatures will rise to the mid-90s and the heat index will reach 105°. With that combination heat related illness risk will rise. This impact the very young, elderly and those without air conditioning. This will also effect those participating in strenuous outdoor activities. Remember, temperatures inside vehicles and reach lethal levels within minutes. Do not leave your pets or anyone in the vehicle.
What should you do to prepare for this excessive heat? You can start by drinking plenty of fluids. Water is the most effecti
ve. Carbonated, alcohol and sugary drinks should be avoided.
If your working outdoors, make sure you take plenty of breaks in a cool comfortable place. Wear light weight and light-colored clothing. Drink lots of water. If you can work in the early morning or later in the evening, that would be best.
Recognize heat illness
Heat exhaustion
Symptoms might include heavy sweating, rapid heart rate, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, fainting, pale skin and headache.
What you can do
Move to air conditioning. If no air conditioning is available, move to the shade. Drink water and cool off with wet cloths or towels. If these measures don’t provide within fifteen minutes call 911 and seek emergency medical help.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat related injury. It is a true medical emergency. Heat Stroke can kill and cause damage to the brain or other internal organs. Heat stoke happens when the body is exposed to high temperatures for an extended period of time and dehydration. This leads to failure of the body’s temperature control system. The body’s core temperature reaches 104°. The symptoms may include throbbing headache, dizziness and light-headedness, lack of sweating despite the heat, red skin that is hot and dry, muscle cramps, rapid heartbeat, rapid shallow breathing, confusion, disorientation, and nausea and vomiting. The person could also become unconscious and have seizures.
What you can do
CALL 911 immediately. While emergency services are in route, if possible, move the person to air conditioning or shaded area. Remove any unnecessary clothing but keep the persons modesty in mind. Some first aid you could provide is fanning the person while wetting the skin with water from a sponge or a garden hose. Apply ice packs to the persons armpits, groin, neck, and back.
