Treating heat injuries demands immediate action

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frank John Casciotta
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  It's hot outside, which isn't simply stating the obvious but a warning! Heat injuries can be a serious problem without proper treatment.

Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke are the three main types of heat injuries a person can suffer from, said Kellie Jensen the physical training leader at the Health and Wellness Center here.

Heat cramps are the mildest form of heat injury and are caused by dehydration, said Jensen. Symptoms of heat cramps are recognizable by muscle cramps, which will cause muscle spasms, she added.

Heat cramps can be treated by sipping water, not gulping, and getting to a cooler area, said Jensen.

Dehydration mixed with strenuous activity can lead to heat exhaustion, said Jensen. Symptoms include profuse sweating, weakness, chills, anxiety, irritability, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, fainting, rapid and weak pulse, flushed or pale skin, disturbance of vision and incoherence.

In order to prevent further damage from heat exhaustion, the individual should immediately stop whatever activity they are participating in and move to a cooler area.

To treat for heat exhaustion elevate legs, pour cool water over the skin, drink water and other fluids to replace electrolytes.

To prevent heat exhaustion, a person should take the time necessary to get acclimated to the weather conditions, said Jensen. It is especially important for those who are not from the area to give themselves a chance to get used to the weather conditions, which in most cases, takes about six weeks, she added.

Heatstroke is the most severe type of heat injury and is considered a medical emergency said Jensen.

Heatstroke has a variety of factors that work in conjunction with each other to cause a person to suffer the injury. These factors include not being properly acclimatized to the area, fever, alcohol or drug abuse, dehydration, not enough sleep, air temperature, intensity and duration of activity and type of clothing.

Treatment for heatstroke is similar to the treatments for other kinds of heat injuries. The person suffering from heatstroke should stop doing whatever activity he is doing, emergency services should be called, and victim should be moved to a cooler location.

When a person is suffering from heatstroke their core body temperature should be cooled as quickly as possible. One effective method for lowering the core body temperature is cool water immersion.

Paying attention to the wet bulb globe temperature is an effective preventive measure. If people pay attention to the warning levels and take appropriate action according to the guidelines they will be less likely to suffer a heat injury, said Jensen.