Page 254 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

Heat-Related Illness Safety

By Frank Lorey

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs when a person sweats a lot and then does not drink enough liquids
to replace the fluids that were lost. They cannot sweat enough to then cool the body. The
symptoms of heat exhaustion may include: sweating a lot; feeling faint, lightheaded, dizzy,
weak, or actually fainting; nausea and/or vomiting; pale, cool, and moist skin; fatigue;
headache; blurred vision; fast heart rate; fast breathing (hyperventilation); heat cramps and/or
muscle aches.
Mild heat exhaustion does not decrease a person’s mental alertness. Mild cases can be
treated at home. However, if heat exhaustion is not adequately treated, it may progress to life-
threatening heatstroke, which needs immediate medical treatment.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke occurs when the body fails to regulate its own temperature, and the body
temperature then continues to rise, often to 105 °F or higher. A person with heatstroke
may actually stop sweating. Symptoms of heatstroke may include confusion; delirium;
unconsciousness; and skin that is red, hot, and dry, even under the armpits. Heatstroke is a
life-threatening medical emergency.
Exertional heatstroke may develop when a person is working or exercising in a hot
environment, especially those wearing protective clothing. A person with heatstroke from
exertion may sweat profusely, but the body still produces more heat than it can lose. This
causes the body’s temperature to rise to dangerously high levels. Heatstroke causes severe
dehydration and can cause body organs to stop functioning. Emergency medical treatment is
necessary to prevent death—do not hesitate!

Heat-Related Illness Prevention

The following tips may help prevent a heat-related illness.

What to do:
Drink plenty of fluids during hot weather. Drink extra fluids if you sweat a lot. If your urine
output decreases, drink even more fluids.
Use rehydration drinks or sports drinks, such as Gatorade or Allsport thirst quenchers, which
are absorbed as fast as water and replace sugar, sodium, and other nutrients.
Watch your weight. Drink at least 16 fluid ounces for every pound that is lost.
Check your urine. Urine should be clear to pale yellow, and there should be a good amount if
you’re drinking enough. You should need to urinate every 2 to 4 hours.
Stay cool when possible. Stay in the shade, by a fan, or in air-conditioning when possible.
Cool your skin by spraying water over your body.
Know the warning signs of dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
Use caution during any physical activity in the heat if you have health risks.

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