The long summer days are something we look forward to each year. But as temperatures soar, so does our risk for heat-related illnesses and other safety concerns.
Rick Tao, MD, MS, medical director of the Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital emergency department, shares tips to keep cool, recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and other ways to stay safe.
“Prevention is key during summer heat, but also knowing your risk factors and recognizing early signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and taking appropriate measures can often prevent progression to more serious and life-threatening illness,” Dr. Tao says. “Those most at risk include infants and children under age four and seniors older than 65.”
Dr. Tao says the very young are more susceptible to heat-related injuries because their ability to regulate temperature is not fully developed.
Seniors often have underlying diseases such as impaired ability to sweat, take multiple prescription medications and face immobility and/or isolation that can lead to a lack of resources. Underlying health conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, asthma, other lung diseases, hypertension and liver and kidney disease also make you more susceptible to heat-related injuries.
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms
Heat exhaustion usually precedes heat stroke, Dr. Tao says. Symptoms can include:
- Cool, moist skin
- Heavy sweating
- Faintness/dizziness
- Rapid pulse
- Low blood pressure upon standing
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Headache
At the first signs of heat exhaustion:
- Try getting to a cool place
- Remove any unnecessary clothing
- Drink plenty of cool liquids (water, sports drinks, non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic)
- Try cooling measures, such as a cold shower, soak in a cold tub and ice packs to neck, wrists and groin
Heat Stroke Symptoms
Once heat stroke has occurred, it is a medical emergency and requires emergent medical care and monitoring, Dr. Tao says. Heat stroke symptoms can be similar to heat exhaustion, but there are differences. These include:
- Little or no sweating
- Flushed skin
- Confusion
- Rapid shallow pulse
- Fast shallow breathing
Emergency medical therapy for heat stroke could include:
- Immediate cooling via cold water immersion/evaporative techniques
- Close monitoring of breathing and respiratory status
- Medications to reduce agitation and shivering convulsions
- Intravenous fluids with glucose
- Close monitoring for kidney/liver failure and muscle breakdown injury
Using caution during the summer can go beyond heat to include concerns like sun, water safety, keeping insects and ticks away and being prepared if your car breaks down. Dr. Tao recommends the following:
Protect Your Skin
“If you are going to be exposed to the sun, use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 and apply it at least 30 minutes before sun exposure,” Dr. Tao says. “Make sure it is water resistant and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.” He also recommends wearing protective clothing like hats, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Swimming Safety
- Never swim alone or in unsupervised places and never leave children unattended.
- Don’t get too tired, too cold, too far from safety or expose yourself to too much sun or strenuous activity.
Keeping Bugs Away
“Any bug bite has potential to bring illness, so it’s worth taking a moment for prevention,” says Dr. Tao, who recommends checking with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for a list of effective insect repellants. Other tips include:
- Check the label for one of the following active ingredients: DEET, Picardin, IR 3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Most pediatricians recommend using products with 30 percent or less of these ingredients on kids, he adds.
“Use insect repellant whenever you and your children are outdoors. Put a few bottles or packets in the car, by the door, in your bag — make it easy to remember,” he says. “Wear light-colored clothes and avoid being out at dusk for tick safety. After playing outside, check your kids, gear and pets as soon as you get inside, even if your outdoor adventures were only in the back yard”
Plan Ahead for Car Trouble
Ensuring you have proper preventative maintenance for your car is always important, but particularly when conditions can cause added problems like overheating. If your vehicle becomes stranded, Dr. Tao recommends you stay with your car and wait for help and to keep the following items in an emergency kit:
- One gallon of water, plus one bottle per person
- Energy-boosting snacks
- Sunscreen and wide-brim hat
- First aid kit
- Road flares or reflective hazard triangles
- Spare cellphone charger
- Jumper cables or portable battery charger
- Tire pressure gauge and tire sealant
- Tow strap
- Headlamp or hand-crank flashlight
- Duct tape
- Pocketknife or multi-tool
- Rag and gloves
The emergency department at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital is staffed by Washington University physicians around the clock so you can always be assured you will be provided with world-class care. For more information on our treatments and services, visit BarnesJewishWestCounty.org/emergency.