By Michelle Jones and
Megan Healy-Bleichner
Now that we are approaching the hot summer months, the Calhoun County Office of the American Red Cross would like to inform local residents of some of the dangers of being exposed to soaring temperatures for an extended amount of time.
There are three serious conditions that may occur when the body becomes overheated: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. All are serious and can be avoided.
Heat cramps are painful but brief muscle spasms that usually occur in the legs and the abdomen. Although they are the least severe, they are probably the most common. Most people tend to mistake the symptoms as the results of overexertion or pulling a muscle. If you experience these symptoms and have been exposed to heat for a long period of time, you may be having heat cramps.
More dangerous than heat cramps is heat exhaustion. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, in conjunction with a headache, nausea or dizziness. You may also feel weak or exhausted and begin sweating heavily. If untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to an even more serious condition called heat stroke.
Heat stroke is the most severe of the three heat-related emergencies and can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. Symptoms associated with heat stroke include red, hot, dry or moist skin; vomiting; and feelings of losing consciousness. If you or someone you know begins to show signs of a heat stroke, you should call 9-1-1 immediately.
When any of the three heat-related emergencies occur, follow these steps:
⢠Move person to a cool place.
⢠Loosen tight clothing and remove any sweat-soaked clothing.
⢠Apply wet, cool towels to their skin.
⢠Fan the person.
⢠If conscious, give small amounts of water.
⢠If persons refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 911. Then (1) place person on their side, (2) put ice or cold packs on wrists, ankles, groin and neck, and armpits, and (3) if unconscious, check for signs of life (movement and breathing).
Remember, if you are working in a area where temperatures are high or you are exposed to the sun for long periods of time, drink plenty of fluids, take frequent breaks, and get out of the sun and into the shade or another cooler place several times a day. Take as many precautions as possible to reduce the chances of experiencing any of the three heat-related emergencies.
If you have any questions about heat-related emergencies and how you can be better prepared for these or any other emergencies, please call Megan or Michelle at the American Red Cross at (304) 588-0717, You can also visit them at the Calhoun Courthouse, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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