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Heat Illness Prevention and Protection

Heat Illness Prevention and Protection. Lawrence L. Lambert, EMT-P Acadian Integrated Services. Rise in body temp and heart rate Loss of concentration and difficulty in focusing Little or no desire to drink. Little or no desire to drink

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Heat Illness Prevention and Protection

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  1. Heat IllnessPrevention and Protection Lawrence L. Lambert, EMT-P Acadian Integrated Services

  2. Rise in body temp and heart rate Loss of concentration and difficulty in focusing Little or no desire to drink Little or no desire to drink Fainting and possible death if the person is not removed from heat source Risk of Heat Stress

  3. Heat Illness Prevention • Drink plenty of water • An individual can produce 2 -3 gallon of sweat per day • If you or a coworker feel symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting, weakness or unusual fatigue; notify your supervisor and seek medical care “PRN”

  4. Heat Illness Prevention • Coming back from and extended break ie. 14 days; you are more vulnerable to heat stress. • It can take up to 5 -7 days to reacclimatize • Pay close attention to coworkers during periods of extreme heat

  5. Heat Illness Prevention • In order to replenish that fluid loss you should drink up to 24 oz’s of water per hour starting at the beginning of your shift • Take breaks in cool shaded areas • Avoid use of alcohol and caffeine during periods of extreme heat. Both dehydrate the body.

  6. Drink water Recognize the symptoms of heat stress Provide first aid to heat emergencies Notify first responders and medics when available Slow your work pace Wear appropriate clothing Sunscreen Hats Dark eye protetion Be aware of older workers How can you reduce the risk of heat stress?

  7. Heat Exhaustion • Headache • Clammy and moist • Body temperature are normal to slightly elevated

  8. Heat Exhaustion • Results of loss of fluid through sweating and not replacing fluids • Weakness and fatigue • Nausea

  9. Treatment of Heat Exhaustion • Move victim to cool place • Drink water and/or an electrolyte solution such as Gatorade or similar sports drink • In cases where victim begins to vomit seek appropriate medical care • Cool, wet towels to heat regulatory receptors

  10. Heat Stroke • The most serious health problem for workers in a hot environment • Body temperature can reach 106 Degrees or higher

  11. Heat Stroke • Hot, dry skin may be red, mottled or bluish • Mental confusion, delirium, loss of consciousness or coma

  12. Treatment of Heat Stroke • Advanced and definitive medical care is essential and should be summoned ASAP • While waiting for medical care to arrive: • Move victim to cool area • Soak clothes with COOL water • Fan vigorously to increase cooling

  13. Heat Cramps Painful spasms of the muscles caused by the body’s loss of salt

  14. Treatment of Heat Cramps • Drink electrolyte fluids • In severe cramping seek medical care

  15. Over the Counter Medications • Many former prescription drugs are now available without a prescription • Certain drugs should not be mixed • Take as directed…. Continue for a couple doses after you feel like you need them

  16. Over the Counter Medications • Not all drugs work the same in different people • Symptom specific • Take advantage of professional advice – Doctor, Pharmacist and/or Medic

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