Heat Illness Prevention

WORKING IN HOT WEATHER

1) CLOTHING

• Light colored
• Loose-fitting
• Lightweight

2) DRINK WATER!

• Drink water every 15 minutes

3) TAKE BREAKS

• Take rest breaks in shade, cooled or air-conditioned areas

**If you notice someone with signs of Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke, speak up and seek medical attention immediately. Call 911**

Heat Exhaustion

Cause:
The loss of large amounts of fluid and salt, usually through excessive sweating or dehydration.

Definition:
Heat exhaustion is a form of heat related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures. It may lead to heat stroke.

Symptoms Include:
•Extreme weakness or fatigue
•Nausea or vomiting
•Headache
•Irritability
•Clammy, moist skin with profuse sweating
•Rapid, weak heartbeat
•Slightly elevated body temperature
•Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
•Heat cramps

Best Practices:
•Remove from the hot environment
•Give them liquids to drink
•Help then cool down quickly (e.g. removing unnecessary clothing, cold compresses or getting their clothes wet)
•Stay with them until help arrives
•Get them medical attention

Heat Stroke : Heat stroke is immediately life threatening

Cause:
Heat stroke occurs when all of the body’s cooling mechanisms have been exhausted.

Symptoms Include:
•Body temperature of 104°F or higher
•Red, hot, dry skin, with lack of perspiration
•Nausea
•Dizziness
•Confusion or irrational behavior
•Strong and rapid pulse
•Seizures or convulsions
•Loss of consciousness or coma

Take action as soon as you suspect heat stroke. It is the MOST DANGEROUS form of heat illness.
Heat stroke could lead to serious damage, permanent disability, and even death.

Best Practices:
•Call 911
•Get the person out of the hot environment
•Cool the person down (get them wet with cold water and fan them)
•Stay with person until help arrives