RECOGNIZE AND CARE FOR HEAT RELEATED EMERGENCIES

  Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that are caused by             exposure to high heat and humidity and loss of fluids and electrolytes. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat.

• Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest and replenish fluids.
• Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.

Heat exhaustion typically involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous exercise or physical  labor in high heat and humidity.

• Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion.
• call 9-1-1

Heat stroke (also known as sunstroke) is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself.

• Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature.
• Heat stroke is life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

TAKE THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID HEAT-RELATED EMERGENCIES:

DO NOT Leave Children or Pets in Cars

·         Infants and children up to four years of age are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.

Drink Plenty of Fluids,

·         Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.

·         People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.

·         People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Monitor the News

·         Listen to the news and public announcements for heat advisories.

Monitor Those at High Risk

·         Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.

·          Plan to check on family, friends, and neighbors who dont have AC or who spend much of their time alone.

Please visit the Arizona Department of Health Services for more information at this web address http://www.azdhs.gov/phs/oeh/heat/extreme.htm