Feeling the heat: tips offered to reduce risk of heat illness

According to Enterprise Rescue Inc., a person's best bet to avoid these ailments is to drink plenty of water, especially if activities are planned outdoors.

"None of us drink enough water nowadays, but especially in the summertime," said ERI Capt. Chris Davis. "We're (Enterprise Rescue Inc.) concerned about everyone's health and encourage people to drink plenty of water, especially in these hot summer months."

Davis said people have replaced water with caffeine or sugary drinks and sometimes alcohol ¬– all of which can cause you to lose more body fluid.

Signs of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating, weakness, a fast or weak pulse, cold, pale and clammy skin, nausea or vomiting and fainting.

If someone is suffering from the symptoms, they need to move to a cooler location, lie down and loosen clothing, and apply cool, wet clothes to as much of the body as possible, said ERI training officer Tim Driscoll.

If a person has vomited and it continues, they should seek medical attention immediately.

Signs of heat stroke, which can result if heat exhaustion is not treated, include a high body temperature (above 103 degrees), hot, red, dry or moist skin, rapid and strong pulse and possible unconsciousness.

Someone who has these symptoms or witnesses someone with these symptoms should call 911 immediately, move the person into a cooler environment, reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath and do not give fluids, Driscoll said.

Several tips can be followed to reduce the risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, including wearing lightweight, light-colored and loose fitting clothing.

Wear and reapply plenty of sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater.

Never leave anyone (or pets) in a closed, parked vehicle.

Some people, including infants and young children, people more that 65 years old, people who have mental illness or are physically ill (especially with heart disease or high blood pressure) are more susceptible to heat-related illness.

If a home doesn't have air conditioning, it's recommended residents go to a public place that does have air conditioning such as a shopping mall or public library.

Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help the body stay cooler.

Residents without air conditioning can also call the local health department and see if any heat-relief shelters are in the area.

If a person must be out in the heat, outdoor activity should be limited to morning and evening hours.

Davis said the most common emergency calls related to heat exhaustion or heat stroke come from outdoor working sites.

In order to reduce risk while on the job, he recommends drinking two to four cups of water every hour and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.

Workers should wear and reapply sunscreen, work on tasks earlier or later in the day to avoid midday heat, hear a brimmed hat and loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, spend breaks in air-conditioned buildings and encourage co-workers to take breaks to cool off and drink water.

Medical attention should be sought immediately if a co-worker shows signs of heat-related illness.