With summer temperatures still in full force, it is important to remind ourselves and our students the importance of staying hydrated throughout the day and replacing lost electrolytes through excessive sweating. Re hydrating is especially important while playing at recess, PE class, and playing after school sports. AVOID CAFFEINE! Below is a description of symptoms that heat exhaustion and heat stroke will present with, and what is to be done if seen. Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion results from a loss of water and salt in the body. It occurs in conditions of extreme heat and excessive sweating without adequate fluid and salt replacement. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is unable to cool itself properly, and if left untreated, can progress to heat stroke. What to look for:
· Heavy sweating
· Cold, pale, and clammy skin
· Fast, weak pulse
· Nausea or vomiting
· Tiredness or weakness
· Dizziness
· Headache
· Thirst
· Muscle cramps
What do I do:
· Move to a cooler area
· Loosen clothing, remove sweatshirt if wearing one
· Sip cool water, electrolyte replacement drink
· Apply cool cloths or cold compresses to body
*If symptoms worsen or don’t improve within one hour, further medical attention is needed. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke if not treated. Heat Stroke Heat stroke, the most severe form of heat illness, occurs when the body’s heat-regulating system is overwhelmed by excessive heat. It is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate medical attention What to look for:
· Throbbing headache
· No sweating
· Red, hot, dry skin
· Body temperature over 103 degrees
· Nausea or vomiting
· Rapid, strong pulse
· Confusion
· Dizziness
· Agitation
· Slurred speech
· Delirium
· Loss of consciousness
· Seizure
What do I do:
· Move to a cooler area
· Loosen clothing, remove sweatshirt if wearing one
· Apply cool cloths or cold compresses to body
· CALL 911
*Most people with heat stroke have an altered level of consciousness and cannot safely be given fluids to drink.