Know the signs of heat stroke
I've been spending some time at sports camps this week, for both personal and professional reasons. I've been taking my son to a baseball camp at Ed Radice Park in northwest Hillsborough County, and I also spent some time at the Spartan Baseball Camp at the University of Tampa for a story I wrote this week on safely exercising in these brutally hot conditions.
It's been good to see coaches at both camps giving kids frequent water breaks and time in the shade. And it's also been good to see the kids carrying coolers packed with lunches and plenty of drinks.
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are serious conditions. Below are some tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for recognizing warning signs of heat stroke, and what to do if you see someone with these warning signs.
Warning signs of heat stroke may include:
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
- Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
What should I do if I see someone with any of the warning signs of heat stroke?
If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:
- Get the victim to a shady area.
- Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
- Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.
- Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
(Photo: flickr.com)
Richard Martin, Times Staff Writer
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