Hyperthermia can be Avoided

The word “hyperthermia” simply means over-heated. There are degrees of overheating, and while some normal levels may be reached during exercise or activity, it becomes dangerous and even life threatening at some point.  Become familiar with the symptoms of hyperthermia, so that if you observe someone who’s overcome by the heat, you may render assistance quickly and with confidence. Be aware that infants, children and the elderly are most at risk and learn how to prevent hyperthermia from happening, as well as effectively helping a person already in distress.

The body’s normal core temperature is usually between 97 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit and is self regulating when exposed to outside elements. However, when the persons natural ability to regulate body temperature is overcome by heat, they begin the process of hyperthermia. Learn to recognize the stages of severity:

• Overheating is the easiest to correct. Overexertion may cause the person to be short of breath and red faced, or start sweating and heavy breathing. Have the child or adult stop physical activity, sit in a cooler, shady location and drink fluids until the body has a chance to recover and self-regulate.

• Heat exhaustion is the next phase and is more serious. You may notice profuse sweating, dry mouth, tired or exhausted demeanor, muscle cramps, lethargy, the person may be grouchy or complain of a headache, or be mildly nauseated. In addition to stopping all physical activity, removing the person from the sun and offering liquids, it may be necessary to cool the skin and head with water and remove excess clothing to accelerate the cooling process. If the person doesn’t respond quickly, medical assistance may be needed. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that approximately 400 people die each year from excessive natural heat, and that these deaths are preventable.

• Heat Stroke is the most serious and deadly phase and requires immediate attention. At this stage, the body stops producing sweat and the skin is hot and dry, possibly red in color. The pupils of the persons eyes may be constricted and small. The consciousness of the person may be altered and severe damage to the brain and internal organs can occur due to the elevated body temperature of 105 or more. Call 911 for immediate medical assistance, take the person to a cool location and remove clothing to help cool the body more quickly. Sponging the person with plenty of cool water or draping cold wet sheets over the skin will help take the body temperature down quickly. If you have ice packs (either chemical or bagged ice), apply these to the armpits or groin area of the victim to assist in quickly cooling the body through the main veins and arteries running through these areas. Unassisted, a person suffering heat stroke can suffer brain damage, organ failure and death.

• Infants and small children are most at risk, because their small bodies absorb heat 3-5 times faster than adults. For this reason – NEVER leave a child in a parked car even on overcast days or leave them unsupervised in the heat of the day, because they are usually unable to assist themselves when overheated. When parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 F. (more than 11 C) in just 10 minutes. Within 20-30 minutes the temperature inside a vehicle can reach over 145 degrees. Never leave children or anyone else (including pets) in a parked car in hot weather for any period of time.

• Another “at-risk” group for heat stroke include: Adults who are taking certain types of medication. Several medications can affect your body’s ability to stay hydrated. These include medications that narrow your blood vessels (vasoconstrictors), regulate your blood pressure by blocking adrenaline (beta blockers), rid your body of sodium and water (diuretics), reduce psychiatric symptoms (antidepressants or antipsychotics), or drugs that act as stimulants (amphetamines and cocaine).

Prevention of Hyperthermia is Important

There are some simple things you can do to help prevent an episode of heat exhaustion or stroke.

• Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing so you can stay cooler and your sweat can evaporate.
• Take frequent breaks from activity – resting in the shade or a cool location.
• Drink plenty of water or non-caffeinated fluids to stay hydrated.
• Keep a close eye on children and elderly adults for early warning signs.
• If you start to overheat, take off shoes, hats and other non essential clothing and fan the skin to bring body temperatures back to normal.
• Learn CPR in a certified First Aid course so that you will be able to assist someone in need.
• And NEVER, ever leave anyone in a closed car – even the family pet can suffer and die in a hot car when temperatures spike up.

Heat Stroke is Preventable

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