Armed Lifestyle - Issue 2 - June 2022

HEAT CRAMPS
Heat Cramps are cramps or muscle spasms caused by the loss
of water (profuse sweating) and the subsequent loss of sodium
(salt) usually occurring as a result of strenuous physical activity.
Along with dehydration and sodium loss, muscle fatigue is a
main contributing factor to heat cramps.
TREATMENT OF HEAT CRAMPS
Get the patient into a cool, well-ventilated area away from the
heat source. A moistened towel can provide comfort and help
the body cool down faster along with a fan if available. If the
patient is not nauseas or vomiting, they can drink water or a
sports drink that has carbohydrates and electrolytes. If the patient
suffers from a medical condition like heart disease, hypertension,
diabetes, etc. they should be evaluated at a medical facility.
HEAT SYNCOPE
Heat Syncope is when a person faints as a result of prolonged
standing or sudden rising from a sitting or lying position. Think
about the person standing on a long line outside on a hot day.
Factors that contribute to heat syncope are dehydration and not
being acclimated to their surroundings.
TREATMENT OF HEAT SYNCOPE
Get the patient into a cool, well-ventilated area if possible. You
should have them lie down on their back which is called the
Supine position. Allow them to drink small quantities of water
or a sports drink and monitor them. If they do not improve, they
might be suffering from Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke and may
need additional medical treatment and evaluation. Again, if the
patient suffers from a medical condition as outlined under Heat
Cramps, they should be evaluated at a medical facility even if
they are feeling better.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
The next and more serious stage of hyperthermia is Heat
Exhaustion. Heat Exhaustion occurs when the body works to
move excessive water due to strenuous exertion or just being
in an extreme environment. With Heat Exhaustion, the patient
has lost a lot of water and sodium. In order for the body to rid
itself of the excessive heat, the vessels become dilated and blood
moves away from the major organs which can lead to shock. In
addition to excessive sweating, the patient may also complain of
a headache, dizziness, thirst, nausea, vomiting, decreased urine
output, severe muscle aches/spasms, tachycardia (increased
heart rate), tachypnea (rapid breathing) and be very irritable.
TREATMENT OF HEAT EXHAUSTION
Call 911 to get EMS on scene. Get the patient into a cool, wellventilated
area. The patient’s body temperature is abnormally
high. Remove excess clothing and place patient in the supine
position. Apply a cool compress to the head, neck and face. You
can also spray the patient with a cool water mist from a spray
bottle. If the patient is conscious and NOT disoriented you can
give sips of water or a sports drink. Monitor until EMS arrives. This
patient will need I.V. fluid replacement therapy as well as other
possible interventions like oxygen, cardiac and blood pressure
monitoring and a blood draw to evaluate electrolytes.
HEAT STROKE
The most serious stage of hyperthermia is Heat Stroke. If
left untreated, it can lead to death very quickly. This is a true
emergency and time is of the essence. Heat Stroke occurs when
the body is no longer able to regulate its core temperature
causing sweating to stop. As a result, the temperature continues
to rise and the patient is literally cooking on the inside. Heat
Stroke is often fatal and needs immediate medical attention. The
patient suffering from Heat Stroke will have a core temperature
greater than 103 degrees, may have a throbbing headache,
experience seizures have nausea and vomiting, have an altered
mental status or be totally unconscious.
TREATMENT OF HEAT STROKE
Immediately remove the patient from the heated environment,
call 911 to get EMS on scene and rapid cooling needs to take
place. Rapid cooling can be achieved by placing the patient in
ice water (full body immersion). This is not always feasible due
to the lack of ice or if the patient is conscious or semi-conscious.
If not able or feasible, the next method is to cool the patient
by using ice/icepacks around the groin, neck, axillae (armpits)
and behind the knees along with spraying the patient with tepid
water all over his/her body and fans to encourage evaporation
of the patient’s body heat. Always watch for seizures and protect
the patient from further injury if seizures develop. As stated
above, this patient will need advanced medical care enroute to
the hospital. The main goal with Heat Stroke is to identify it and
rapidly cool the patient as soon as possible.
To make identifying the difference, the simple chart below can
help in identifying the difference between Heat Exhaustion and
Heat Stroke.
CONCLUSION
Heat related emergencies require the caregiver to be able to
accurately assess the situation and provide care accordingly. In
order to avoid becoming a victim of a heat related emergency,
it’s crucial to stay hydrated; take breaks often, be aware of your
surroundings, use plenty of sun block and observe the people
around you because they may not realize that they are in trouble
and it may be up to you to provide emergency care for someone
who has suffered from a heat related incident.
For more information on first aid and saving lives check out the
organizations below.
https://www.usconcealedcarry.com
https://www.heart.org
https://www.redcross.org
https://www.stopthebleed.org
HEAT RELATED EMERGENCIES
www.thearmedlifestyle.com