There's no denying that summer is in full swing in the States. Most especially in the East Coast or eastern part of the United States where there is this so-called heatwave going on right now. Mercury rises as temperature goes up. That's always the case. It's the season. Let's deal with it. Apparently, when we're outside doing work or recreational activity, under the sun, let's take time to take a break, hydrate ourselves or drink plenty of water, wear light clothing, preferably cotton, or dress lightly; use sunglasses and a hat or anything to cover our head and body, and seek shady areas, under a tree, for example. But, for some of us, especially with health or medical problems, it's better to stay indoor, or at home, where it's air-conditioned. Let's bear in mind that prolong exposure to extreme heat can be damaging or fatal.
During this time of the year over here in the Old Dominion, particularly in Hampton Roads, summer or the weather is basically warm and muggy, hot and humid. With crystal-clear-blue skies, there's absolutely plenty of sunlight to keep everyone (and everything) feeling so warm, and uncomfortable (to some), especially when we're outside trying to have fun and enjoy summer activities with our family, friends, and/or pets.
As the (summer) heat is (going) on all over the land, we have to think of safety, prevention, and protection. We should be aware of too much, or excessive/extreme, exposure to sun, especially when we're engaging in outdoor activities, such that we won't damage our fragile skin and/or become victim/s of heat-related illness or injury like heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
(At this time, I remember what I learned from the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps school. Let me share this knowledge with you, folks, if you won't mind. Note: FYI or For Your Information purposes only! Thank you.)
According to my rate training (course) manual, Hospital Corpsman 3 & 2, excessive heat affects the body in a variety of ways. When a person exercises or works in a hot environment, heat builds up inside the body. The body automatically reacts to get rid of this heat through the sweating mechanism. This depletes water and electrolytes from the circulating volume. If they are not adequately replaced, body functions are affected, and initially, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion develop. If the body becomes too overheated, or water or electrolytes depleted, the sweat control mechanism of the body malfunctions and shuts down. The result is heat stroke (sunstroke). Heat exposure injuries are a threat in any hot environment, but especially in desert or tropical areas and in the boiler rooms of ships. Under normal conditions it is a preventable injury.
Heat Cramps: Excessive sweating may result in painful heat cramps in the muscles of the abdomen, legs, and arms. Heat cramps may also result from drinking ice water or other cold drinks, either too quickly or in too large a quantity after exercise. Muscle cramps are often an early sign of approaching heat exhaustion.
To provide first-aid treatment for heat cramps, move the patient to a cool place. Since heat cramps are caused by loss of salt and water, give the victim plenty of cool (not cold) water to drink, adding about one teaspoon of salt to a liter or quart of water. Apply manual pressure to the cramped muscle, or gently massage it to relieve the spasm. If there are indications of anything more serious, transport the victim/patient immediately to a hospital or medical facility.
Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion (heat prostration or heat collapse) is the most common condition caused by working or exercising in hot environments. There is a serious disturbance of blood flow to the brain, heart, and lungs. This causes the victim to experience weakness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, and nausea. the victim may faint, but will probably regain consciousness as the head is lowered, which improves the blood supply to the brain. Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are similar to those of shock; the victim will appear ashen gray, the skin cold, moist, clammy, and the pupils (of the eyes) may be dilated. The vital signs usually are normal; however the victim may have a weak pulse together with rapid and shallow breathing. Body temperature may be below normal.
Treat as if the victim were in shock. Move the victim to a cool or air-conditioned area. Loosen the clothing; apply cool wet cloths to the head, axilla (or armpit), groin, and ankles, and fan the victim. Do not allow the victim to become chilled (if this does occur, then cover with a light blanket and move into a warmer area.) If the victim is conscious, give a solution of one teaspoon of salt dissolved in a liter of cool water. if the victim vomits, do not give any more fluids. Transport to a medical facility as soon as possible. Intravenous fluid infusion may be necessary for effective fluid electrolyte replacement to combat shock.
Heat Stroke: Sunstroke is more accurately called heat stroke since it is not necessary to be exposed to the sun for this condition to develop. It is a less common but far more serious condition than heat exhaustion, since it carries a 20% mortality rate. The most common feature of heat stroke is the extremely high body temperature (105 degrees Fahrenheit, 41 degrees Celsius, or higher) accompanying it. In heat stroke the victim/patient suffers a breakdown of the sweating mechanism and is unable to eliminate excessive body heat built up while exercising. If the body temperature rises too high, the brain, kidneys, and liver may be permanently damaged.
Sometimes the victim may have preliminary symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, or weakness. Breathing will be deep and rapid at first, later shallow and almost absent. Usually the victim/patient will be flushed, very dry, and very hot. The pupils will be constricted (pinpoint) and the pulse fast and strong.
When providing first aid for heat stroke, remember that this is a true life-and-death emergency. The longer the victim remains overheated, the more likely irreversible brain damage or death is to occur. first aid is designed to reduce body heat fast.
Reduce heat immediately by dousing the body with cold water or by applying wet, cold towels to the whole body. Move the victim to the coolest place possible , and remove as much clothing as possible. Maintain an open airway. Place the victim on his or her back, with the head and shoulders slightly raised. If cold packs are available, place them under the arms, around the neck, at the ankles, and in the groin. expose the patient to a fan or air conditioner, since drafts will promote cooling. Immersing the patient in a cold water bath is also effective. If the patient is conscious, give cool water to drink. Do not give any hot drinks or stimulants. Discontinue cooling when the rectal temperature reaches 102 degrees Fahrenheit; watch for recurrence of temperature rise by checking every 10 minutes. Repeat cooling if temperature reaches 103 degrees Fahrenheit rectally.
Get the victim to a medical facility as soon as possible. Cooling measures must be continued while the victim is being transported. Intravenous fluid infusion may be necessary for effective fluid and electrolyte replacement to combat shock.
There you go, my friends, my summer thoughts for today. May your summertime be enjoyable and memorable. Have fun but be safe out there. Take care and think safety always! Keep (your) cool, folks! Until next time around.-chris a. quilpa, 06July2012
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