Keeping Cool is Serious Business

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Marsha Giesler D.G.F.D.

Anyone who has stepped outdoors during the past few weeks knows that we’ve been experiencing record high heat and humidity. It is amazing to me that many people do not recognize the potential danger this kind of weather presents, especially to the very young and the very old members of our population. It is important to be aware of the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke during these “dog days of summer”. First, everyone should know how to prevent these two dangerous conditions, and then how to recognize the signs and symptoms in the event they do occur. Therefore, I deliver the following information with the hope that everyone will remain healthy and enjoy the warm weather this summer.

Prevention

• Do not stay in or leave anyone in closed, parked cars during hot weather.
• Take caution when you must be in the sun. At the first signs of heat exhaustion get out of the sun or your body temperature will continue to rise.
• Do not exercise vigorously during the hottest times of the day. Instead, run, jog or exercise closer to sunrise or sunset.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, such as cotton, so sweat can evaporate. Put on a wide-brimmed hat with vents.
• Drink lots of liquids, especially if your urine is a dark yellow, to replace the fluids you lose from sweating. Thirst is not a reliable sign that your body needs fluids. When you exercise, it is better to sip rather than gulp the liquids.
• Drink water or water with salt added if you sweat a lot. Sport drinks such as Gatorade, All Sport and PowerAde are good also.
• Do not drink alcohol or beverages with caffeine because they speed up fluid loss.
• Stay out of the sun if you are taking water pills, mood altering or antispasmodic medications.
• Remember that the very young and the very old are at higher risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke during hot weather.

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

• Cool, clammy, pale skin
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue, weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea, sometimes vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Weak and rapid pulse

First Aid for Heat Exhaustion

• Move the patient to a cool environment
• Take off as much of his clothing as possible
• Place him in a supine position with his legs elevated
• Sponge the patient with cool water, and fan him if the humidity is not excessively high.
• Avoid chilling the patient; just make him comfortably cool
• Do not give fluids by mouth, especially if the patient is nauseated

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke, unlike heat exhaustion, strikes suddenly, with little warning. When the body’s cooling system fails, the body’s temperature rises fast. This is a serious emergency.

• Very high temperature (104 degrees F or higher)
• Hot, dry, red skin
• No sweating
• Deep breathing and fast pulse – then shallow breathing and weak pulse
• Dilated pupils
• Confusion, delirium, hallucinations
• Convulsions
• Loss of consciousness

First Aid for Heat Stroke

• Call 9-1-1 immediately
• Do CPR if the person is not breathing
• Until emergency care arrives, do the following:
  • Move the person to a cool place indoors or under a shady tree
  • Place the patient in a semi-reclining position with feet higher than the head
  • Use any means at your disposal to cool the patient rapidly! Improvise with whatever is available. A bathtub filled with cold water and ice cubes is ideal; otherwise, an ice-cold shower, crushed ice rubbed over the patient’s head and body, a garden hose, cold pack, continued washings with rubbing alcohol, a wet sheet wrapped around the patient with a fan blowing – any of these will do, but speed is essential.

Cooling Centers in Downers Grove

In an effort to provide a higher level of emergency service during severe weather conditions, the Village of Downers Grove has established Severe Weather Condition procedures. During very hot weather the Village of Downers Grove will open a shelter under the following conditions: outside temperature of 95 degrees or higher and an inside temperature of 80 degrees or higher.

If you are a Downers Grove resident in need of shelter based upon the above criteria, please contact the Village Operations Center at 434-5703. The VOC will advise you where to report for emergency sheltering. Initially, the Village Hall, and the Police and Fire Departments will be used as temporary shelters. For long term emergencies, permanent emergency shelters shall be designated.