Heat Injuries Heat Related Injuries

With the wonderful balmy summer already in high gear, many 
can fall victim to heat-related injuries.  Here are some 
signs and symptoms to look out for:

1. Heat Cramps

Signs and Symptoms:  Severe muscle cramps (usually in the legs and
abdomen), exhaustion, sometimes dizziness or faintness.
Emergency Procedures:
*Move patient to a nearby cool place
*Loosen any constrictive clothing
*Give patient water (sports drinks work well, too)
*Help ease cramps by muscle massage
*Alert EMS

2. Heat Exhaustion

Signs and Symptoms:  Rapid shallow breathing, weak pulse, cold clammy
skin, heavy perspiration, total body weakness, and dizziness leading
to unconsciousness.
Emergency Procedures:
*Move the patient to a nearby cool place
*Keep patient at rest
*Remove any constrictive clothing
*Give patient water/sports drink, but not if he/she is unconscious
*Treat for shock
*Alert EMS

3. Heat Stroke

Signs and Symptoms:  Shallow breathing, weak/thready pulse, dry/hot
skin, dilated pupils, loss of consciousness (possible coma), convulsions 
or muscular twitching.
Emergency Procedures:
*Move the patient to nearby cool place
*Remove constrictive clothing
*Keep the patient at rest
*Give patient water/sports drink, but not if patient is unconscious
*Treat for shock
*Alert EMS

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