19 Apr, 2011
Braving Summer Heat – Preventing Summer Stress and Handling Heat Related Injuries
Community Living, Smart Living Tips , , ,
Summer is here and almost every one is facing the heat already. Even traditionally cooler cities like Bangalore are seeing temperatures rise year after year. We have put together a small list of preventive measures that can followed by every one in your society and also some first aid techniques that can applied in case any one becomes a victim of heat related injury.
Being Cool in Summer

Preventing Summer Stress

Hot weather triggers a variety of medical emergencies. Even healthy people should take it easy during extremely high temperatures, and those with respiratory and other health problems must be especially careful. The best ways to prevent a sun stress emergency are:

  • May appear very basic, but first stay out of the sun as much as possible.
  • Drink extra fluids, but avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can cause dehydration.
  • Drink before you’re thirsty and drink often.
  • Wear a hat or cap, keep the neck covered and wear loose fitting clothing. It’s important to wear a hat because it prevents heat load by acting as a barrier from the heat source (normally the sun). Cooling the head and neck may be an effective means of reducing core body temperature in those with heat stress.
  • If you can, work in the cool hours of the day or evening.

Heat-related Injuries and First Aid Measures

It is important to know that heat-related injuries fall into three major categories:

  • Heat cramps
  • Heat exhaustion
  • Heatstroke

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that occur when the body loses electrolytes during profuse sweating or when inadequate electrolytes are taken into the body. They usually begin in the arms, legs or abdomen, and often precede heat exhaustion.

Treatment for heat cramps is to rest in the shade, get near a fan, spray the person with water and massage the cramp.

Heat exhaustion is a medical emergency. When a person is suffering from heat exhaustion, they will perspire profusely and most likely will be pale.

It is best treated by taking the patient to a cool place, applying cool compresses, elevating the feet and giving the patient fluids.

Heat stroke is the worst heat-related injury. The brain has lost its ability to regulate body temperature. The patient will be hot, reddish and warm to the touch. Their temperature will be markedly high and there will be no perspiration. This is a medical emergency, call Toll Free No 108.

The emergency care of heatstroke is to cool the body as quickly as possible. One of the best methods for cooling the body during a heat emergency is to wrap the patient in cool, wet sheets.

Credits: This article was provided by APMS, Hyderabad.

This article aims at collating and providing information for benefit of ApnaComplex customers and blog readers. While ApnaComplex has taken every care to ensure the information is accurate, we suggest to please use it only as a guidance and not as any professional medical advise. Please consult relevant professionals to take any action based on the guidelines given.