Know what to look for
Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2012 9:24 am
As the summers temps creep higher and higher, the post's of hot weather in your area bring me back to my Army training.
Know what the signs are for heat related problems not only with your scoot but also with you!
Excess heat outside can cause sunburn. Some symptoms of sunburn are skin redness and pain, possible swelling, blisters, fever, headaches. When this happens some first aid tips are to take a shower, using soap, to remove oils that may block pores preventing the body from cooling naturally. If blisters occur, apply dry, sterile dressings and get medical attention.
Heat Cramps are another result of too much sun. The symptoms for this could be painful spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles. If this happens put firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue and seek medical attention.
Heat Exhaustion can also happen and is noticed by heavy sweating; weakness; skin cold, pale and clammy; weak pulse; normal temperature is possible and there may be fainting and vomiting. If this happens let victim lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing; apply cool, wet cloths; fan or move victim to air-conditioned place; and give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue sips of water. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
There is always the possibility of Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke) if the body has a high temperature (106+). Noticeably would be hot, dry skin, rapid and strong pulse. There is the possibility of the victim becoming unconscious. The victim will likely not sweat. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or emergency medical services or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a cooler environment. Try a cool bath or sponging to reduce body temperature. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing. Use fans and/or air conditioners. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS.
Use a "buddy" or "good neighbor" system locally. Check frequently on elderly people living alone, and on others who may have trouble coping with hot weather.
Know what the signs are for heat related problems not only with your scoot but also with you!
Excess heat outside can cause sunburn. Some symptoms of sunburn are skin redness and pain, possible swelling, blisters, fever, headaches. When this happens some first aid tips are to take a shower, using soap, to remove oils that may block pores preventing the body from cooling naturally. If blisters occur, apply dry, sterile dressings and get medical attention.
Heat Cramps are another result of too much sun. The symptoms for this could be painful spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles. If this happens put firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue and seek medical attention.
Heat Exhaustion can also happen and is noticed by heavy sweating; weakness; skin cold, pale and clammy; weak pulse; normal temperature is possible and there may be fainting and vomiting. If this happens let victim lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing; apply cool, wet cloths; fan or move victim to air-conditioned place; and give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue sips of water. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
There is always the possibility of Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke) if the body has a high temperature (106+). Noticeably would be hot, dry skin, rapid and strong pulse. There is the possibility of the victim becoming unconscious. The victim will likely not sweat. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or emergency medical services or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a cooler environment. Try a cool bath or sponging to reduce body temperature. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing. Use fans and/or air conditioners. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS.
Use a "buddy" or "good neighbor" system locally. Check frequently on elderly people living alone, and on others who may have trouble coping with hot weather.
