First Aid - Heat Emergencies
Languages: English
Media Editing: This subject does not contain any editable media.
Description: Heat emergencies can happen to anyone, and while they're just as dangerous as other health crises, they don't always get as much attention when educating workers about health and safety. This subject will teach employees how to identify different kinds of heat emergencies, like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, as well as what to do when they experience or witness a heat emergency.
Languages: English
Media Editing: This subject does not contain any editable media.
Description: Heat emergencies can happen to anyone, and while they're just as dangerous as other health crises, they don't always get as much attention when educating workers about health and safety. This subject will teach employees how to identify different kinds of heat emergencies, like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, as well as what to do when they experience or witness a heat emergency.
Languages: English
Media Editing: This subject does not contain any editable media.
Description: Heat emergencies can happen to anyone, and while they're just as dangerous as other health crises, they don't always get as much attention when educating workers about health and safety. This subject will teach employees how to identify different kinds of heat emergencies, like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, as well as what to do when they experience or witness a heat emergency.
Topics
What are Heat Emergencies?
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Heat emergencies are dangerous and require prompt medical attention. Although some people are at a higher risk of experiencing them than others, you must be informed and knowledgeable about what to do when you experience or witness a heat emergency. In this topic, you’ll learn about when heat emergencies occur, who is most vulnerable to them, and how people can help prevent them.
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Questions (level 1, 2, 3)
PDF module (This module was created in a tool that is not supported by our Content Studio offering.)
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This topic is currently available in English.
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A heat emergency occurs when a person cannot cool down their body’s temperature due to environmental factors or dehydration.
Those at the highest risk of experiencing high emergencies are children up to 4 years old, people over 65 years old, people who are overweight, people who work outdoors, and people who have existing health conditions, like heart disease, high blood pressure, or taking certain medications.
When working outdoors, shield yourself from the sun with sunscreen and weather-appropriate clothing. This helps reduce the risk of a heat emergency by keeping your body cooler and maintaining its hydration.
If you’re working or spending extended time in hot environments, regularly take breaks and rest. This helps your body recover its energy in the heat.
Help prevent heat emergencies by keeping your body hydrated and its temperature cool. Drink the equivalent of a glass of water (8 ounces) every 15 minutes when you’re working or exercising in hot environments.
Some heat emergencies may require immediate medical care. If the person becomes unconscious, confused, has a seizure, or their body temperature reaches 104 F, call emergency services right away.
Preview of PDF module for “What are Heat Emergencies?”.
Types of Heat Emergencies and Their Symptoms
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Not all heat emergencies are the same and each kind has different signs, symptoms, and treatments. In this topic, you’ll learn about the various kinds of heat emergencies, as well as how you can tell when you or someone else is experiencing one, and what to do in that situation.
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Questions (level 1, 2, 3)
PDF module (This module was created in a tool that is not supported by our Content Studio offering.)
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This topic is currently available in English.
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Heat cramps are usually the first sign of a heat emergency. They are painful cramps or spasms of muscles in the abdomen, arms, or legs, and the person will sometimes have flushed, moist skin.
Heat cramps can be treated by moving the individual to a cool area so they can rest. If possible, have them drink cool fluids and gently massage the cramping area.
Heat exhaustion occurs when a person does not drink enough fluids while in a hot environment. It’s less serious than heat stroke, but it can quickly turn into an emergency if action isn’t taken.
Someone suffering from heat exhaustion will sweat heavily and will often feel dizzy, nauseous, and they may faint. They will be very thirsty and feel like they’re overheating.
To treat heat exhaustion, make sure the person is resting in a sheltered, ideally air-conditioned location. Heavy, unnecessary, skin-tight clothing should be removed, and the person should drink cool fluids. They should be watched carefully to make sure their condition improves.
Heat stroke occurs when a person’s body temperature rises too much too quickly and cannot cool back down. It requires immediate emergency care.
Signs of heat stroke are the person being very ill, suffering from nausea and vomiting, slurred speech, confusion, hot skin, and possibly fainting.
To treat heat stroke, call emergency services and try to cool the person down. Do this by using fans and placing cold, wet cloths, or ice packs in the person’s armpits, groin area, and back of their neck.
Preview of PDF module for “Types of Heat Emergencies and Their Symptoms”.
