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Mountain View News Saturday, October 5, 2024

PUBLIC SAFETY - SIERRA MADRE EVENTS


HEY SIERRA MADRE: IT'S HOT!

During extremely hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged. 
When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt 
is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone 
you care about may experience a heat-related illness. It is important to know the 
symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses. The Centers for 
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a list of warning signs and symptoms 
of heat illness, and recommended first aid steps. 

Some of these symptoms and steps are listed below.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat 
exhaustion or stroke.

Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen and heavy 
sweating.

Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than 1 hour.

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms: Heavy sweating, Weakness or tiredness, cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, 
weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache, fainting.

Seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last 
longer than 1 hour.

Heat Stroke

Symptoms: Throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature 
above 103°F, hot, red, dry or damp skin, rapid and strong pulse, fainting, loss of 
consciousness.

First Aid: Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe 
medical emergency. Delay can be fatal. 

For more information on all of these heat related illnesses, see the Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention (CDC) website.