Heatstroke Prevention, Recognition, and Treatment
Sweltering heat, thick, soupy humidity, and all the associated discomfort and difficulty has descended on our region in recent weeks. This is hardly a new phenomenon for longtime residents of our district. DC’s swampy climate is notorious for hot, sticky summers. Today’s blog post from Malloy Law Offices will explore heatstroke prevention and the dangers associated with excessive exposure to heat. While we’ve previously covered heatstroke injury and the dangers posed by summer heat to industrial and construction workers on this blog, we’ll be attempting to broaden our inquiry to identify the effects, symptoms, and warning signs of heatstroke.
Defining Heatstroke
It is necessary to differentiate heatstroke from simple heat exhaustion or the feeling of sluggishness, lethargy, or being generally “wilted” that most of us experience in extreme heat. Heatstroke refers to an extreme state of overheating where the body is unable to cool itself. It is no overstatement to say that heatstroke can be a life-threatening condition if not promptly and properly treated. Prolonged heatstroke can lead to organ damage, coma, and death.
Common symptoms of heatstroke include:
- High body temperature
- Confusion and delirium
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
- Nausea
- Throbbing headache
- Heightened breathing/heart rate
In addition, heatstroke can cause severe disorientation or loss of consciousness without any prior sign of heat injury. This can leave the afflicted person vulnerable to serious injury, especially in a construction or industrial setting, or behind the wheel of a vehicle. Sudden heatstroke can also lead to severe skin burns, as an unconscious person may be left unattended on hot asphalt for an extended period of time.
Treating Heatstroke
If you suspect that you or someone around you is suffering from heatstroke, your first priority is to cool the afflicted person down by any means available. Stripping them of any excess clothing and fanning them to circulate air around them is a good first step, but cold water will be a far more effective means of cooling the victim down quickly and keeping them cool. A garden hose, bathtub, shower, swimming pool, or even a bottle can be a serious help.
Heatstroke Prevention and You
The first and most obvious means of heatstroke prevention is to stay in an air conditioned environment. This is not an option for many of us, and an unappealing one for many others. The long days and plentiful sunlight naturally make us want to spend time outside, so how to do so responsibly?
Stay Cool
Dress in loose, light clothing to ensure ventilation and avoid trapping heat against your body. Prepare for your outdoor activities with plentiful water and regular breaks to allow for rest, shade, and hydration. Do not under any circumstances leave kids, pets, or anyone else in unattended cars. Indeed, young children and animals require special attention in extreme heat. They both possess limited ability to advocate for their own health and safety in extreme heat, and therefore must be closely watched by responsible adults.
Stay Hydrated
Be sure to drink regularly, regardless of your level of activity. Do not wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Opt for water over sugary or alcoholic beverages. These can actually cause you to lose more water. Electrolyte heavy sports drinks can help replace salts and minerals sweated out, but water is almost always most effective for heatstroke prevention.
How Malloy Law Can Help
Thoroughly reviewing the details of your accident is crucial if you or a loved one suffered from a heatstroke injury. You might have a case if it can be shown that someone else was at fault or ought to have taken action to keep you or your loved one safe. Malloy Law Offices, LLC is available to help with worker’s compensation claims, holding negligent caregivers accountable, or simply providing guidance and an unbiased assessment of your situation. Our lawyers will use their knowledge to guide you in the proper way. For your free consultation, give us a call now.
