June 2003

1
Heat Over the last couple of weeks we have seen
an increase in the number of heat exhaustion
cases reported. Normal controls to reduce this
risk include providing cool water, shade and
regular rest periods. In addition staff need to
be aware of the symptoms and first aiders trained
in dealing with such cases. Heat Exhaustion Heat
exhaustion develops over hours or days due to
water and electrolyte loss from sweating.
Symptoms are headaches, dizziness, fatigue,
nausea and vomiting. Physically the pulse will be
rapid, the skin will be moist and the person may
be pale. Treatment The key issue is fluid loss,
have the patient drink water (1/4 teaspoon of
salt in a litre of water helps replace salts).
Provide shade and cool the patient. Heat
Stroke Heatstroke results in sudden collapse with
extreme rise in the body temperature, decreased
mental ability and shock. It is a medical
emergency that can kill. Symptoms are headaches,
drowsiness, irritability, confusion sometimes
with convulsions. Its onset can be very sudden.
Physically the person will be hot with a bounding
pulse. Treatment Remove the patient from the
heat, and cool rapidly, this can be done by
putting them in a cold bath or soak them and fan
rapidly. Cool packs (not ice) can be placed near
the neck, the stomach, armpits and groin. You
must monitor their temperature and stop cooling
when they reach 39ºC. Continue to monitor the
temperature so it does not go higher or lower.
The person must be sent to hospital
urgently. Heat Cramps Cramping that occurs
during exercise or with heat exhaustion. Like
heat exhaustion it is caused by salt and water
depletion. Treatment Stretch the affected
muscles, provide weak solution of salt water (see
above). Do not give salt tablet.
June 2003