For most Minnesotans, summer is a long-awaited season. Embracing the warm weather, being at the lake, swimming, golfing, and picnics in the park – there are many activities to enjoy. Unfortunately, summer also brings dangers from being in the sun and heat. Being aware and prepared can help you to avoid these dangers and enjoy our Minnesota summers.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious of the heat-related illnesses. If heat stroke is not treated timely, the condition can lead to disabilities or death. Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body cannot cool down. During heat stroke, the body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10-15 minutes.

Symptoms

  • Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
  • Very high body temperature
  • Confusion, altered mental status
  • Loss of consciousness (coma)
  • Slurred speech
  • Seizures
  • Fatal if treatment delayed

How is heat stroke treated?

  • Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention – call 911!
  • While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, try to cool the person as much as possible by
    • Laying them down in a cool, shady, well-ventilated area, and remove outer clothing
    • Immersing them in cool water, if possible
    • Misting them with water and blowing air across their bodies
    • Applying cold, wet clothes or ice packs to the head, neck, groin, and armpits

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is combating an excess loss of water and salt, typically done through excess sweating. Heat exhaustion is most likely to affect older people, people with high blood pressure, and those working in a hot environment.

Symptoms

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Irritability
  • Thirst
  • Heavy sweating
  • Elevated body temperature
  • Decreased urine output

How is heat exhaustion treated?

  • Go to the clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment.
  • Call 911 if medical care is unavailable.
  • Stay with the person experiencing heat exhaustion until help arrives.
  • Remove the person from the hot area and give liquids to drink.
  • Remove unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks.
  • Cool the person down with cold compresses or have them wash their head, face, and neck with cold water.
  • Encourage frequent sips of cool water.

Knowing the signs of heat-related illness and when to seek medical attention will allow us Minnesotans to enjoy our land of 10,000 lakes.

 

Perham Health Public Relations