Summer Heat
Proper preparedness and awareness can reduce the chances of heat illness during the summer months.
Signs of heat illness
As temperatures climb, it is important to understand and recognize the signs of heat illness, which occurs when a person’s body temperature rises to an unsafe level. While potentially fatal, there are steps you can take to lessen the risks. Two of the more serious forms of heat illness are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Both can happen to anyone, from young children to adults, male or female.
Some signs of heat exhaustion:
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Moist, clammy skin with heavy sweating.
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Dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea and/or vomiting.
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Fast, weak pulse and fast shallow breathing.
Some signs of heat stroke:
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Dry, hot skin with no sweating, and very high body temperature (103 degrees or higher).
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Throbbing headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea and/or loss of consciousness.
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Rapid and strong pulse.
Ways to prevent heat illness:
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Provide shade and cool drinking water at all times and encourage frequent drinking.
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Limit the consumption of caffeine, as this can lead to dehydration.
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Consider holding lunch and breaks indoors when temperatures reach extremes.
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Take a lot of breaks during athletic activities to allow participants (campers and staff) to cool down.
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Provide and encourage the use of damp rags/towels or Cooling Towels. These can be put on the face or wrapped around the neck.
