June 2024 | Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
The human body is normally able to regulate its temperature through sweating until it is exposed to more heat than it can handle. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can escalate rapidly, leading to delirium, organ damage, and even death. In 2019, 884 people died, and 2,061 were injured in the U.S. from exposure to excessive heat, according to Injury Facts.
People most at risk include:
• Those who work in the heat
• Infants and young children, especially if left in hot cars
• People 65 and older
• People who are ill, have chronic health conditions or are on certain medications
• People who are overweight
If your job requires you to work outside in hot weather, you and your supervisors can take precautions to minimize the risk of heat-related illnesses. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends:
• Working shorter shifts until workers have adjusted to the heat
• Staying hydrated and drinking before you get thirsty
• Watch out for co-workers exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke
• Take time to rest and cool down
Knowing the symptoms and proper response to these illnesses can save a life.
Heat Exhaustion
When the body loses excessive water and salt, usually due to sweating, heat exhaustion can occur. According to the free NSC First Aid Quick Reference app, signs and symptoms include:
• Pale, ashen or moist skin
• Muscle cramps (especially for those working or exercising outdoors in high temperatures)
• Fatigue, weakness or exhaustion
• Headache, dizziness or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heart rate
Uncontrolled heat exhaustion can evolve into heat stroke, so make sure to treat victims quickly:
• Move victims to a shaded or air-conditioned area
• Give water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages
• Apply wet towels, or have victims take a cool shower
Heat Stroke
Seek medical help immediately if someone is suffering from heat stroke. Signs include:
• Body temperature above 103 degrees
• Skin that is flushed, dry and hot to the touch; sweating has usually stopped
• Rapid breathing
• Headache, dizziness, confusion or other signs of altered mental status
• Irrational or belligerent behavior
• Convulsions or unresponsiveness
Immediately take action:
• Call 911
• Move the victim to a cool place
• Remove unnecessary clothing
• Immediately cool the victim, preferably by immersing up to the neck in cold water (with the help of a second rescuer)
• If immersion in cold water is not possible, place the victim in a cold shower or move to a cool area and cover as much of the body as possible with cold, wet towels
• Keep cooling until body temperature drops to 101 degrees
• Monitor the victim's breathing and be ready to give CPR if needed
DO NOT:
• Force the victim to drink liquids
• Apply rubbing alcohol to the skin
• Allow victims to take pain relievers or salt tablets
The best way to avoid a heat-related illness is to limit exposure outdoors during hot days. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
• Air conditioning is the best way to cool off
• Drink fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and avoid alcohol
• Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a hat
• Replace salt lost from sweating by drinking fruit juice or sports drinks
• Avoid spending time outdoors during the hottest part of the day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Wear sunscreen; sunburn affects the body's ability to cool itself
• Pace yourself when you run or otherwise exert your body
Keep Each Other Safe
In your community, please check in on neighbors who are elderly, house-bound or otherwise may be reluctant to ask for help. You can offer to host them in the air-conditioned comfort of your living room on hot days, drive them to a local cooling center, or call relatives or city services to arrange for them to stay cool.
For more information, please visit https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/heat
Community Youth Outreach
Enjoy the summer with the Winter Springs Police Department at Torcaso Park! Our community youth outreach program will begin on June 10th. This program aims to build stronger relationships through positive experiences with local law enforcement. Children 5-15 years old will have an opportunity to learn, laugh, and play with Winter Springs Police Officers. Sign up will take place on-site each day and is open to children ages 5 to 15 years old. Parents will need to register child(ren) and sign waivers the first time they participate. Child(ren) must be signed in and out daily. The Dates are as follows:
June 10th – 14th, June 24th – 28th
July 8th- 12th July 22th – 26th
All CYO activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Torcaso Park at 104 N. Moss Rd. Lunch and water will be provided.
School Supply Drive
The Winter Springs Police Department is accepting new, unopened school supplies for our annual School Supply Drive through July 25th. We are in need of bookbags, spiral notebooks (wide and college-ruled), composition notebooks (wide and college-ruled), crayons, markers, pencils, pencil sharpeners, pens (blue, black and red), 3-prong folders, glue sticks, 1” binders, loose leaf paper (wide and college ruled), dry erase markers, rulers, pencil cases, and scissors. Your donations can be dropped off in the school supply donation box in the lobby of the Police Department located at 300 North Moss Road. Check the Seminole County Public School webpage for the school supply list. School Supply Link
Help the Winter Springs Police Department:
Be a crime-stopper, not a victim. Lock your car and report suspicious activity.
Emergency | 911
Non-Emergency | 407-327-1000
