The summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy the warm weather, but it’s important to keep safety in mind. With high temperatures and harsh sunlight, taking precautions can help prevent accidents and ensure a fun, enjoyable, and safe summer.
Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you or your loved ones suspect you are experiencing a medical emergency. With a commitment to shorter wait times and affordable healthcare, Ally Medical Emergency Rooms are ready to care for you. Each Ally Medical Emergency Room is prepared to treat both major and minor medical emergencies, including heat exhaustion and stroke, severe sunburns, and dehydration, for children and adults of all ages in a safe, stress-free setting.
Heat Exhaustion and Stroke
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are forms of heat illnesses resulting from long and extreme exposure to the sun. In very hot weather, the body has trouble sweating and cannot cool down. When internal temperatures rise to dangerous levels, first heat exhaustion and then heat stroke can occur.
Symptoms
- Hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty
- A high body temperature
- Rapid heartbeat
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Disorientation and confusion
- Fatigue
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizure
Treatment
If someone exhibits these symptoms, it’s essential to act quickly, as heat exhaustion can quickly turn into a dangerous heat stroke. You can help the person cool off by doing the following:
- Relocate to a shaded area
- Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits
- Remove clothing and apply cool water to the skin to simulate sweating
If symptoms are extreme, call 911 and help the person cool off while you wait for them to arrive. If symptoms seem less serious, help the person cool off and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water and salts than it takes in. It can be caused by illness, such as fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, or by medicines, such as diuretics. Dehydration can also be caused by sweating too much in the summer when temperatures are hot, and the body is working extra hard to keep itself cool.
Symptoms
- Thirst and dry mouth
- Less-frequent urination
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Light-headedness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Increased heart rate and breathing
Treatment
Most dehydration cases will usually not require a visit to your healthcare provider. Mild symptoms can be treated by drinking water and sports fluids filled with electrolytes and salt. If the person has more severe dehydration, seek medical attention as they may need IV fluids and other emergency medical treatments.
Prevention
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially when spending long periods in the sun
- Make sure you’re taking in more fluids than you’re losing
- Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day
- Drinks sports drinks as needed to maintain electrolyte balance
Lastly, read our Summer Safety: Sunburns and Drowning Blog for more information on how to stay safe and healthy this summer!
Resources
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dehydration-and-heat-stroke
