Types
A benign condition characterized by red, raised skin and sensations of prickling and tingling during sweating.
What is heat rash?
What are signs of heat rash?
Red, raised skin with sensations of prickling and tingling.
What causes heat rash?
Continuous wet skin due to un-evaporated sweat.
How many people die from heat illnesses each year in the US?
Between 600-700 people.
What are two ways to prevent heat illnesses?
Stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade.
A condition associated with rapid physical fatigue during overexposure to heat, often caused by standing in heat for long periods.
What is heat syncope?
What are signs of heat syncope?
Dizziness, fainting, and rapid fatigue.
What causes heat syncope?
Vasodilation of blood vessels leading to a drop in blood pressure due to prolonged standing in heat.
What percentage of heat illnesses occur in California, Texas, and Arizona?
43% of heat illnesses.
Who is most at risk for heat illnesses?
Infants, children, elderly individuals, overweight individuals, and those with previous heat illnesses.
Extremely painful muscle spasms due to an imbalance between water and electrolytes, often caused by excessive sweating.
What are exertional heat cramps?
What are the symptoms of exertional heat cramps?
Painful muscle spasms typically in the abdomen, arms, or legs.
What causes exertional heat cramps?
An imbalance between water and electrolytes due to excessive sweating.
How many football players die from heat stroke on average each year?
An average of 3 football players.
What role does the athletic trainer play in preventing heat illnesses?
Recognize signs & symptoms and take quick and proper action.
A moderate form of heat illness occurring from environmental heat stress and strenuous physical activity, marked by dehydration and elevated body temperature.
What is heat exhaustion?
What are the signs of heat exhaustion?
Elevated body temperature, pale skin, profuse sweating, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and loss of coordination.
What causes heat exhaustion?
Environmental heat stress combined with strenuous physical activity leading to dehydration.
What is the average core temperature for someone with heat stroke?
Above 104ºF.
What are cooling methods to help prevent heat illnesses?
Use shade, cooling devices, fans, ice towels and/or ice water tub.
The most severe form of heat illness, a serious life-threatening emergency with significant elevation of body temperature above 104ºF.
What is heat stroke?
What are the signs of heat stroke?
Core temperature of 104*. Central nervous system abnormalities, altered consciousness, seizures, confusion, hot/red skin, and shallow/fast breathing.
What causes heat stroke?
Strenuous physical exercise and increased environmental heat stress leading to a significant elevation in body temperature.
What months see the peak in heat-related deaths?
July and August.
What can be done to save someone experiencing heat stroke?
Measure the core temperature using a rectal thermometer. If the temperature exceeds 104°F, immediately begin cooling the person with ice water. Ensure this is done within 30 minutes. Once the core temperature drops to 102°F, remove the person from the ice water and seek medical assistance promptly.