Get Healthy Carson City: Recognizing and preventing extreme heat emergencies

The long, hot days of summer are here. While that can mean lots of fun in the sun for some, everyone needs to be prepared and stay safe in the stifling heat. Although heat-related illnesses are preventable, many people pass away each year from extreme heat. As the temperatures increase, it is important to take the necessary steps to stay cool, remain hydrated, and keep yourself informed.

While anyone is at risk of heat-related illnesses, adults over the age of 65, children younger than two, and people with chronic health related conditions are most at risk. A few factors that may raise a person’s risk are heart disease, poor circulation, obesity, prescription drug use, alcohol use, and sunburn. The two most common heat-related illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Though these illnesses can show similar signs and symptoms, it is important to be able to differentiate the two.

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to the loss of too much water and salt contained in sweat. Those most at risk are the elderly, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in the heat. Signs of heat exhaustion may include:

• Cold, pale, and clammy skin

• Fast, weak pulse

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Muscle cramps

• Nausea

• Feeling tired or weak

• Fainting

If untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke. Seek immediate medical attention if the person has heart problems, high blood pressure, or if the symptoms are severe. Otherwise, assist the person in efforts to cool their body and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour. To cool the body down, have the person:

• Drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages

• Rest in a shady area

• Take a cool shower or bath

• Go into an air-conditioned environment

• Wear lightweight clothing

Heat stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body’s internal temperature rises to 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes and your body cannot sweat. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given. Signs of heat stroke vary but may include:

• High body temperature (103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)

• Hot, red, dry skin that does not sweat

• Fast, strong pulse

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Confusion

• Losing consciousness

Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and if you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, immediately:

• Call 911 for medical assistance

• Cool the person’s body down by having them take a shower, spraying them, or sponging them with cool water

• Place the person in a shady, cool area

DO NOT give the person anything to drink! The person may aspirate the water if they are not fully conscious, and it may cause choking, death, or aspiration pneumonia as a late complication.

Other non-life-threatening heat related illnesses are heat cramps, sunburn, and heat rash. Remember, your best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. Below are a few tips to help you stay safe and healthy during the hot summer months.

Schedule outdoor activities carefully: Doing any strenuous activity or sport in extreme heat can be dangerous, especially if you are not accustomed to it. Be sure to plan activities in the early morning or in the evening. This can reduce the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Also, remember to never leave children or animals inside a car during hot weather. Temperatures in a car can reach dangerously high and deadly levels in less than five minutes.

Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen: If you are going to be in the sun, it is very important to wear sunscreen (SPF) and a hat to provide yourself with shade. Wide-brimmed hats are most effective. Be sure to apply sunscreen on any exposed skin and reapply if you are in the sun for an extended period, get wet or are sweating. A sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself and causes the body to lose necessary fluids which can lead to heat-related illness.

Stay hydrated and replace the body’s salt and minerals: Drink water regularly to avoid getting dehydrated. It is best to increase your fluid intake in extreme heat, especially if you are 65 or older. Sip on sports drinks to replenish the salt and minerals your body loses from sweating. You can also eat fruit or vegetables to help keep you hydrated in the summer heat.

Stay cool indoors: There is no better way to beat the heat than to stay in an air-conditioned area. If you do not have central air in your home, swamp coolers are a good alternative and work well in our dry climate. If you do not have a way of cooling off, you can take a trip to the local library or visit a shopping mall. Wall fans are great to help draw cool air into your home at night when you leave your windows open, but do not prevent heat-related illness.

Prevention is key to staying safe and healthy during the summer. Remain hydrated, stay cool, use common sense, and keep yourself informed.

For information and resources about Carson City Health and Human Services programs and services, check out our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org, “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cchhs, follow us on X @CCHealthEd, call us at 775-887-2190, or visit us at 900 E. Long St. in Carson City.