Heat can kill Published June 2, 2009 By Center for Disease Control U.S. Government ATLANTA -- The upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection will demand much physical effort from many participants, and South Carolina's June sun and heat will be Enemy #1 for most outdoor workers. Here is information and advice for all Airmen to help prevent or recognize heat-related illnesses and conditions. Remember the Wingman concept and look out for heat-related problems at all times. Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder and can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Symptoms of heat stroke include: · Hot, dry skin (no sweating) · Hallucinations · Chills · Throbbing headache · High body temperature · Confusion/dizziness · Slurred speech Take the following steps to treat a worker with heat stroke: · Call 911 and notify their supervisor. · Move the sick worker to a cool shaded area. · Cool the worker using methods such as: o Soaking their clothes with water. o Spraying, sponging, or showering them with water. o Fanning their body. Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Workers most prone to heat exhaustion are those that are elderly, have high blood pressure, and those working in a hot environment. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: · Heavy sweating · Extreme weakness or fatigue · Dizziness, confusion · Nausea · Clammy, moist skin · Pale or flushed complexion · Muscle cramps · Slightly elevated body temperature · Fast and shallow breathing Treat a worker suffering from heat exhaustion with the following: · Have them rest in a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area. · Have them drink plenty of water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages. · Have them take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath. Heat syncope is a fainting (syncope) episode or dizziness that usually occurs with prolonged standing or sudden rising from a sitting or lying position. Factors that may contribute to heat syncope include dehydration and lack of acclimatization. Symptoms of heat syncope include: · Light-headedness · Dizziness · Fainting Workers with heat syncope should: · Sit or lie down in a cool place when they begin to feel symptoms. · Slowly drink water, clear juice or a sports beverage. Heat cramps usually affect workers who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body's salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat cramps include: Muscle pain or spasms usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs. Workers with heat cramps should: · Stop all activity, and sit in a cool place. · Drink clear juice or a sports beverage. · Do not return to strenuous work for a few hours after the cramps subside because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. · Seek medical attention if any of the following apply: o The worker has heart problems. o The worker is on a low-sodium diet. o The cramps do not subside within one hour. Recommendations for employers Supervisors should take the following steps to protect Airmen from heat stress: · Use relief workers or assign extra workers for physically demanding jobs. · Provide cool water or liquids to workers. o Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar. · Provide rest periods with water breaks. · Provide cool areas for use during break periods. · Monitor workers who are at risk of heat stress. As much as possible, workers should avoid exposure to extreme heat, sun exposure, and high humidity. When these exposures cannot be avoided, take the following steps to help prevent heat stress: · Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton. o Avoid if possible non-breathing synthetic clothing. · Gradually build up to heavy work. · Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day. · Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity. o Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible. · Drink water frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty. · Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar. · Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress. · Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.