The heat is back - sun stroke cautions

High temperatures again have officials warning of the dangers of heat exposure.  While children and infants are extremely susceptible to heat stroke, the same warnings and cautions apply to our work force.  Officials from Walton Regional Medical Center’s Cuddlebugs program of Loganville Georgia caution parents about the dangers of leaving children in vehicles, even for a new minutes.  Loganville’s temperatres are expected to approach 100 degrees most of the week.  With this in mind, officials site that in 2010, 49 children died as a result of being trapped inside a hot car.  Deaths among adult workers average approximately 15 per year. Weather an adult or a child, the signs of heat stroke are the same:

• A temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher – but no sweating
• Hot, red, dry skin
• Rapid pulse
• Restlessness
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Lethargy
• Unconsciousness

What to do if you develop heat stroke? With heat stroke, time is of the essence.  Bring the internal temperature down as quickly as possible. First, call 911. Then find shade or a cool location. While you’re waiting for the ambulance, sponge down the body with a washcloth or a rag that’s been dipped in cool water. Fan the body with either an electric fan or simply your hand or a magazine. If the person is able to drink liquids, have them drink cool water or other cool beverages that do not contain alcohol or caffeine. There are safeguards that workers can take to minimize the risk of heat stroke.  The use of cooling bandanas, cooling vests, hard hat shades and hydration drinks will allow workers to stay cool and hydrated and avoid costly heat stroke.