Take heed during the dog days of summer

By Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue’s Community Relations Team.
Published: August 12, 2008

August has been known for being one of the hottest months of the year. It falls within the “dog days of summer” a period between early July and early September when the weather is the hottest and muggiest of the season. During this period, individuals need to heed weather warnings regarding high temperatures to avoid being a victim of heat-related illness as heat stroke/sunstroke also known as hyperthermia.

Hyperthermia occurs when the body is exposed to excessive heat and produces or absorbs more heat than it can release, thereby causing the body temperature to climb uncontrollably.

There are two ways in which the body regulates temperature; when the heart increases blood flow to the skin and through perspiration. Perspiration or sweat is a process that cools the body. When the body becomes dehydrated and unable to produce sweat the body’s temperature begins to rise swiftly and hyperthermia/heat stroke occurs.
Victims of heat stroke will show the following signs or symptoms:
• Confusion, disorientation, agitation
• Headaches
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Increased heart and respiration rate
• Pale or bluish skin
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Heat stroke can develop suddenly but is usually preceded by heat exhaustion, a less-threatening condition. When signs of heat exhaustion are apparent, it’s imperative that the victim’s body temperature be immediately lowered by:
• Moving to a cooler area within the building or outdoors in the shade.
• Removing clothing.
• Bathing in cool water (not cold).
• Wrapping in wet towels or clothes.
• Applying cold compresses to the torso, head, neck and groin.
• Drinking water for hydration.

Hyperthermia can affect anyone, yet some populations — young children and the elderly — are more susceptible than others. According to a study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, http://www.pediatrics.org, and San Francisco University’s Department of Geosciences, http://ggweather.com/heat/index.htm, each year, children die from heat stroke after being left unattended in motor vehicles. From 1998-2007, more than 360 child vehicular hyperthermia deaths occurred. Safe Kids Worldwide, http://www.usa.safekids.org, and General Motors have joined forces and created a brochure, Never Leave Your Child Alone, in an effort to inform parents and caregivers about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, particularly on warm days.

The elderly are also seriously affected by heat-related illnesses and injuries. According to the Center for Disease Control, http://www.cdc.gov, they are more prone to heat stress due to: chronic medical conditions that may disturb the body’s normal response to heat, and prescription medicines that may impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or reduce or prevent perspiration. For this high risk group, preventative measures outweigh treatments.

You can help protect elderly relatives, neighbors and friends from heat-related stress by:
• Visiting at least twice a day and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• Provide transportation, if needed, to air-conditioned locations.
• Make sure they have access to an electric fan.
Hyperthermia is preventable. The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue suggests the following safety tips to minimize your risk:
• Wearing light, loose-fitting clothes.
• Wearing a bright colored wide-brimmed hat with vents
• Avoid strenuous exercise during daylight hours in hot weather.
• Stay hydrated — Drink plenty of liquids.

This column is provided by the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue’s Community Relations Team.  Send questions or comments to DFR Responding to You,  9250 Lee Ave., Manassas VA 20110 or via e-mail to dfrrespondingtoyou @pwcgov.org.