Heat Stress

Objective

Understanding Heat Stress

Different forms of Heat Stress

Symptoms of different forms of Heat

Stress

First Aid Measures for different form

of Heat Stress
 What is Heat Stress ?

Heat stress occurs when our body is unable to cool itself enough to maintain a healthy
temperature. Normally, the body cools itself by sweating, but sometimes sweating is not enough
and the body temperature keeps rising.
Video on Heat Stress
Facts

If muscles are being used for physical labor, less blood is available to
flow to the skin and release heat

If body can’t dispose off excess heat, it will store it. When this happens
the body’s core temperature rises, and the heart rate increases
Facts

Don’t use the feeling of thirst as an indicator that you need water

You can deplete as much as 30% of your body’s water before you feel thirsty

Individuals vary in their tolerance to heat stress conditions

Heat Exhaustion

Occurs when the heart and vascular system do not respond properly to high
temperatures, and the mechanisms that our body uses to cool itself fails.
Symptoms include:

Pale skin

Muscle
Sweating
cramps

Dizziness
Dry mouth
nausea

Weakness Fatigue
What To Do In Case Of Heat Exhaustion

If you suspect that someone is suffering from Heat Exhaustion:

Give Cool
(Not Iced)
Loosen Water
Clothing
Elevate The
Feet
Lay The
Person Down
Get Them To
A Cool Spot
Contributing Factors

Obesity

Several days of
Alcohol
sustained exposure
consumption
to hot temperatures

Age Caffeine

Previous Certain
heatstroke medications
Dizziness

Happens as a result of overheating. It is a type of heat illness

Usually occurs in individuals standing and immobile in the heat

The person recovers rapidly after lying down

Cramps

Painful muscle cramps/spasms in person sweating profusely

It occurs when large volumes of water are consumed without adequate salt
replacement

Usually resolves after an electrolyte beverage

Heat Stroke

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Symptoms

Body Temperature
Altered Mental Cyanosis (Blue)
Confusion Delirious Lack Of Sweating > 104° Fahrenheit
State Or Red-Hot Skin
(40° Celsius)
Treatment

CALL AMBULANCE Cool Body - pour cool Place ice pack behind
IMMEDIATELY! water over person neck - under arms

Note: Do not try to serve water if the person has fainted

Prevention

Spending Time In
Air-conditioned Monitor Urine Output
Environments

Increase
Nonalcoholic/Non-
caffeinated Fluid
Intake
Some Common Measures During Heat Waves
Outdoor Activities

Limit outdoor activities to

morning and evening hours

Take breaks and rest in a

shaded spot if you are
pursuing an outdoor job

Carry water in hand

Clothing & Accessories

Always use an umbrella or a Wear lightweight, light-

Try to wear shades to protect
hat while going out in the coloured and loose-fitting
your eyes from getting red
sun full sleeved cotton clothing
Food

Avoid oily and rich non-vegetarian food

Try to consume less spicy and easily digestible food

Avoid contaminated water

Have more fruits, vegetable and curd/lassi

Hydration

Drink water or oral hydration drinks every 1 to 2 hours

Wash your face every 2 hours and place a wet cool cloth on your head to cool off

Bathing twice a day is advisable

Eat fruits rich in water like, Watermelon, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Oranges etc
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Muscle Cramps
 Thank You!

Safety is a continuing journey, not a final destination

Lunch Break