Anyone, at any age, can suffer the effects of extreme heat.
Those with existing health problems, or those who are frail,
might be more easily affected.
Medicines and Heat Don’t Mix
Certain types of medicines can have a negative reaction with
exposure to the sun. Medicines which are intended to counter-act
poor blood circulation and medicine which acts as a diuretic
(water loss pills) in particular are known to have sun reaction
capabilities.
What is a "heat wave" ?
Heat waves are long periods of excessive heat. In Florida, that
also includes excessive humidity. The National Weather Service
has messaging systems in place to alert the public to heat
conditions. The Seminole County Office of Emergency Management
uses the Media to alert the community to conditions.
The three degrees of heat emergencies
Heat Cramps
Heat
Exhaustion
Heat Stroke
(also called sunstroke)
It is easy to remember which degree is the least and most
serious. Just think of the alphabet. Cramps precede exhaustion
and stroke. It is the least extreme of the heat conditions. Next
in seriousness, as well as in the alphabet, comes heat
"exhaustion". The most extreme heat condition, and the last of
the three in the alphabet, is heat "stroke."
Just like a set of stairs, heat emergencies start with cramps
and move in a "step" fashion to exhaustion and then "sun or heat
stroke."
HEAT CRAMPS
These are muscular pains and spasms that are caused by heavy
exertion. The pain is most noticeable in the legs and abdominal
muscles.
Treatment
1.
Get the
person to a cooler place and sit or rest in a
comfortable position.
2.
Lightly
stretch the affected muscles.
3.
Replenish
lost liquids at the rate of a half a glass of cool water
every 15 minutes.
4.
Don’t
give the person alcoholic drinks or those with caffeine
as they will worsen the situation.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
As a person continues to exercise, play or work, in an
excessively hot and humid climate, an increasing amount of body
fluids are lost. The blood flow to the skin will increase, and
cause a decrease in blood flow to body organs.
Mild shock can set in. The skin can become cool and moist, and
could appear to be pale or flushed. Headache, dizziness and
nausea can be present. You must work fast to prevent the person
from progressing to "heat stroke."
Treatment
1.
Move the
person to a cool place and loosen their
clothing.
2.
Apply cool,
wet cloths to the victim.
3.
Anything
can be used, towels, sheets or whatever is available.
4.
Replace
fluids by having the person drink a half a glass of
water every 15 minutes.
5.
Keep the
person in a comfortable position, and watch for changes
in their condition.
6.
As always,
alcohol and caffeine are to be avoided.
HEAT STROKE (Sunstroke)
Heat stroke is life-threatening. If not caught in time and
measures taken to reverse the condition, brain damage can
result. The system that controls the victim’s body temperature
stops working. The cooling process ceases and the person
continues to become hotter. Look for:
Red, hot
skin
Rapid and
weak pulse
Rapid and
shallow breathing
Body
temperature can run as high as 105 degrees
Usually the
skin is dry because the person has lost their fluids
Treatment
1.
Call for
help. This person needs professional medical attention
immediately.
2.
Immerse the
person in water.
3.
Soak
sheets, towels or other absorbent material in water, and
wrap them around the victim if there is not sufficient
water to immerse the person.
4.
Continuously
give the victim water unless they are vomiting or
unconscious.
Protect Yourself
Slow down
activity in extreme weather
Do the most
strenuous work in the coolest part of the day
Avoid
unnecessary strenuous activity
Stay indoors or at least in the shade as much as possible
Wear
light-weight and light-color clothing
Drink
plenty of water regularly
Eat
small meals and avoid meals that contain a lot of
protein. Protein causes metabolic heat.
Avoid salt,
alcohol and caffeine
Emergency Management
150 Bush Blvd
Sanford, Florida 32773
(407) 665-5102
Certain types of medicines can have a negative reaction with
exposure to the sun. Medicines which are intended to counter-act
poor blood circulation and medicine which acts as a diuretic
(water loss pills) in particular are known to have sun reaction
capabilities. 
150 Bush Blvd