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Beware of heat stroke as temps rise CA NEWS

Submitted by Barbara Akers, Emergency Management JUNE 2017 SUNRAYS | 9
Committee member

Adults age 65 years or older are more prone to
heat-related emergencies for several reasons:
– They do not adjust as well to sudden changes
in temperature.
– They are more likely to have chronic medical
conditions that change normal body responses to heat.
– They are more likely to take prescription medicines that
inhibit perspiration or impair the body’s ability to regulate
temperature.

HEAT STROKE
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related emergency. The body’s
temperature rises rapidly. It loses the ability to sweat and is un-
able to cool down. Body temperatures may rise to 106°F or higher
within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent
disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STROKE
Warning signs vary but may include the following:

– An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F).
– Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating).
– Rapid, strong pulse or slow, weak pulse.
– Throbbing headache.
– Dizziness, feeling faint or fatigued.
– Nausea or vomiting.
– Muscle cramps.
– Change in behavior: confusion, agitation, staggering.
– Seizure.
– Coma.
If you notice signs of heat stroke, you may be dealing with a
life-threatening emergency. Call 911 immediately, and then do
the following:
– Get the person to a shady area or to air conditioning.
– Cool the person rapidly, using any method available: immerse

them in a tub or pool, put them in the shower, wrap them in a
wet sheet, spray or sponge them with cool water or fan them
vigorously.
– Monitor temperature and continue cooling efforts until body
temperature drops to 101°–102°F.
– If the person is able to drink, give fluids such as water or
sports drinks but avoid alcohol and caffeine.
– If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing
normally, begin CPR.
Sources: Center for Disease Control and Prevention; American
Heart Association; National Institute on Aging

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