HEART EXHAUSTION

Exposure to hot and humid conditions can overwhelm the bodies ability to cool itself down. Early recognition of heat exhaustion is essential to preventing heat stroke.

Develops when the body encounters high temperatures it is not accustomed to. 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Early signs:
  • Heavy sweating
  • Thirst
  • Minor muscle twitches that progress to painful cramping
• Late signs:
  • Pale, cool, moist skin
  • Headache
  • Nausea / vomiting
  • Weakness/ dizziness
  • Feels faint/ collapses

FIRST AID

1. Assess, alert and attend to life-threatening problems
2. Immediately get out of the heat and rest, preferably in an air-conditioned room. If you can't get inside, try to find the nearest cool and shady place.
3. Remove any tight or unnecessary clothing.
4. Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
5. Apply other cooling measures such as fans or ice towels.
6. Place a cool compress on patron’s neck, groin, and/or armpits.
7. If such measures fail to provide relief or symptoms worsen within 15-30 minutes, contact a parent or EMS because untreated heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.

HEART STROKE

Heat stroke occurs when the body temperature is in excess of 105 degrees F and is a life-threatening medical emergency. High body temperature can cause permanent damage to the organs, specifically the brain. This is an emergency situation. 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Confusion, hallucinations, bizarre behavior
• Altered mental status
• Warm, hot skin/ heavy sweating
• Seizure
• Unconsciousness

FIRST AID

1. Assess, alert and attend to life-threatening problems.
2. Begin aggressively cooling the patron.
   • Immerse in cold water up to the neck.
   • Spray or pour water on the patron or fan them.
   • Apply ice packs to patron’s neck, groin, and/or armpits.
3. If unresponsive:
   • Place patron on side in recovery position to protect airway.
   • Provide continuous cooling until EMS arrives.
   • Do not give patron anything by mouth if vomiting or unconscious.