Heat stroke claims lives across the country each year. Here are some tips for recognizing the early stages of heat stroke and working to treat the victim.

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The Firm’s Bartow office is located in the Historic E.A. Law Building located just two blocks from the Polk County Courthouse.

Recognizing and Preventing Heat Stroke

It seems like every summer another teenager dies while on the gridiron practice field.  Heat-related deaths are becoming so prevalent, that they are tracked as their own category in the Annual Survey of Football Injuries.  According to the Annual Survey, which tracks the 1.8 million serious injuries and deaths on all stages from the sandlot to the pros, there were 20 heat related deaths in 2006 alone.

But young, fit athletes aren't even the category most at risk for heat stroke.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list infants and children under the age of 4, adults over 65, and people who are overweight as the three categories most likely to suffer a heat-related illness.

What is Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke is a hypertheric state where the body is no longer able to control its own temperature.  If not treated properly, heat stroke can be fatal.

Typically, when the body generates heat it is able to give off that heat by radiating it through the skin or by evaporating sweat.  However, in extreme circumstances (high heat, high humidity, or excessive physical activity under the sun), the body may not be able to properly dissipate the heat.  This causes internal body temperature to rise - sometimes as high as 106 degrees.

Recognizing Heat Stroke

Heat stroke's warning signs include:

  • Extremely high body temperature (103 and above)
  • Red, hot, dry skin
  • Lack of sweat
  • Rapid, strong pulse
  • Intense, throbbing headache
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Unconsciousness

How Do I Treat Heat Stroke?

If the above signs are apparent, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency.  Immediately call 911 and begin to cool the victim.

Get the victim to a shady area or inside if possible.  Cool him rapidly using whatever methods you can - try immersing the victim in a tub of cool water or spraying him with a hose.  You should continue to monitor body temperature until it has dipped below 101-102.

 

Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP
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