As we all start to enjoy the summer sun we need to be wary of heat illnesses, what you need to know is the two different types. In first aid these are categorised as heat exhaustion & heat stroke. As the body starts to heat up the blood loses water and salts equally by sweating. The blood is a fine combination of both elements, too much water dilutes the electrical pathways. Equally not enough water causes the blood to thicken, this places additional stress on the heart.
Heat Exhaustion
This condition arises when the body starts to heat gradually, prolonged exposure to warm dry conditions is a key factor. Temperatures do not need to be excessive for this to happen. The body regulates its core temperature to around 37 degrees celsius, an increase of even 1 degree is enough to start causing problems. Whilst heat exhaustion is not necessarily life threatening in the early stages it can progress & become dangerous. Symptoms can vary but can include mild headaches, dizziness & confusion, untreated signs can get worse. As the body starts to lose salts you can get cramps, increased pulse & breathing rates. The body is attempting to compensate for the loss of circulatory fluid. This causes additional pressure on the respiratory system. As this continues you can become very thirsty & body temperature increases to 38 degrees celsius.
Treatment for heat exhaustion
Immediately remove the person to a cool place, into shade out of direct sunlight or from the workplace. Another stance would be to lay the person down with feet slightly elevated. Allow the person to drink plenty of water, this can include sports or rehydration drinks equally. It is also permissible to place cool packs underneath the armpits & neck can assist in cooling. Sponging or spraying the person down with cool water is also an effective treatment, however avoid cold water in this process. The recovery process should take around 30 minutes, if this does not happen it may be heat stroke.
Heat stroke
Heat stroke occurs due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, in some case it can be a lead on from heat exhaustion. Signs in this case may present as hot dry skin, the body is unable to cool itself by sweating. Followed by a marked increase of body temperature of 40C or above, seizures/fits can happen followed by loss of consciousness. People can become unresponsive which will prompt the primary survey check & recovery position or CPR depending on their condition. If the person remains conscious the same treatment for heat exhaustion is to be followed, remove layers of clothing where needed. A call to the emergency services through 999/112 should be placed to gain further advice.
You can’t change what happens, you just change what you do about it
Danny McCann – McCann Training Solutions