Heat Stress

C/Connor McKeon

Det 842 Safety Officer

• Definition• Types of Heat Stress• Symptoms and Treatments• How To Avoid Heat Stress• Summary• Questions

Overview

• When the body is unable to cool itself by sweating, several heat-induced illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and the more severe heat stroke can occur.

Definition

Types of Heat Stress

• Heat stroke is the most serious disorder associated with heat stress. It occurs when the body’s temperature regulation fails and body temperature rises to critical levels. It is a medical emergency that can lead to death.

• Heat exhaustion is a result of the combination of excessive heat and dehydration. Untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.

• Heat cramps- are usually the result of hard physical labor in a hot environment, often resulting from an imbalance of electrolytes in the body.

• Early Symptoms:– Dizziness/Headache– Drymouth– Unsteady Walk/Muscle Cramps

• Treatment– Remove From Training– Allow Cadet to rest in a shaded area– Take SIPS of water– If symptoms do not improve:

• Take cadet to medical center• If they worsen call ambulance

Early Symptoms and Treatment

• Symptoms– Hot body, high temperature – Confusion, unresponsiveness, coma– Vomiting – Involuntary bowel movement – Convulsions

• Treatment– Call ambulance – Lay person down in shade with their feet elevated– Begin active cooling if skin is hot – Poor cool water over person and fan

Later Symptoms and Treatment

• HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE

• Electrolyte Replacement• Clothing• Acclimation

How To Avoid Heat Stress

• Overview• Definition• Types of Heat Stress• Symptoms and Treatment• How to Avoid Heat Stress • Questions

Summary

C/2nd Lt. Connor McKeon

Det. 842 Safety Officer

email: connormckeon11@gmail.com

phone: 830-388-9617

Questions