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Heatstroke Awareness

Home > Blog > Heatstroke Awareness

You’ve probably noticed, it’s HOT outside! When it’s hot, keeping cool becomes a priority. But there are other priorities to consider when the mercury rises.

What is Heatstroke

Heatstroke, or sunstroke, is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by your body overheating. Overheating can be caused by excessive exposure to high temperatures, particularly when combined with high humidity and strenuous physical activity. A heatstroke happens when your core body temperature reaches or exceeds 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Combining heatstroke and dehydration, can cause extreme damage to the brain and even internal organs. In some cases, heatstroke can cause death.

Recognize and Respond to Warning Signs of Heatstroke.

Symptoms of heatstroke can be very similar to symptoms of a heart attack and other conditions. Common signs of heatstroke are:

  • Heat cramps
  • Dizziness and fainting.
  • Rapid heartbeat.
  • Disorientation and confusion.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Throbbing headache.
  • Pinpoint pupils.
  • Lack of sweating.
  • Hot, dry skin.
  • Seizures.
  • Extreme Exhaustion.

Prevent Heatstroke

Simple precautions can be very effective in preventing a heatstroke:

  • Proper hydration is critical for people… and pets.
  • Limit exposure to heat; avoid strenuous activity in the warmest part of the day.
  • Limit outdoor time.
  • Take breaks in the shade if you must work outside.
  • Wear loose fitting, light colored clothing that allows evaporative cooling
  • Take cool showers
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
  • Be aware that some medications can increase your risk of heatstroke. Check with your pharmacist or doctor to see if you have increased risk.

Most Preventable Type of Heatstroke

Unfortunately, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, every nine days’ vehicular heatstroke kills a child in the United States. NHTSA reports that since 1998 there have been 725 deaths; 25 so far in 2017.

Remember!! Your Child is in Your Car

The most preventable way to stop vehicular death from heatstroke in children? Remember the child is in your car! Here are a few suggestions from NHTSA to help remember your child is in the back seat:

  • Put something in the back seat so you must open the back door when leaving the vehicle – cellphone, purse, left shoe, employee badge, etc.
  • Every time you park your vehicle open the back door to make sure no one has been left behind. “Look Before You Lock.”
  • Keep a stuffed animal in your child’s car seat and move it to the front seat to remind you when your baby is in the back seat.
  • Ask your childcare provider or babysitter to call you within 10 minutes if your child hasn’t arrived on time
  • Focus on driving and avoid cellphone calls and any other distractions while driving.

Monday, July 31st – NHTSA #HeatstrokeKills Tweetup

Monday, July 31st starting at 7:30 AM, the NHTSA will tweet every 15 minutes for 24 hours to raise awareness about the dangers of vehicular heatstroke. NHTSA HEATSTROKEKILLS Follow the tweets at www.twitter.com/NHTSAgov. And you can follow the conversation using the hashtag #HeatstrokeKills.

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Oliver Law Firm, 3606 W. Southern Hills Blvd., Ste. 200, Rogers, AR 72758. Our office is located just west of I-49 off Exit 81.