Heat-Related Emergencies

Burns

What is it?

Tissue damage from hot liquids, the sun, flames, chemicals, electricity, steam and other causes. 

Plan of Action:

Minor Burns
For major burns until emergency help arrives:

When to seek emergency care:

Call 911 or seek immediate care for major burns, which:
Electrical burns, including those caused by lightning, and major chemical burns need emergency medical care. A minor burn might need emergency care if it affects the eyes, mouth, hands or genital areas. Babies and older adults might need emergency care for minor burns as well.

Dehydration

What is it?

When the body loses too much water or fluids.

What causes it?

Signs/Symptoms:

Plan of Action:

The best first aid for dehydration is prevention: encourage everyone to drink enough to stay hydrated.
If dehydration isn't addressed early enough, it can lead to life threatening medical conditions such as shock.

Heat Cramps

What is it?

Painful, involuntary muscle spasms that usually occur during heavy exercise in hot environments. The spasms may be more intense and more prolonged than typical nighttime leg cramps.
Muscles most often affected include those of your calves, arms, abdominal wall and back, although heat cramps may involve any muscle group involved in exercise.

Plan of Action:

If you suspect heat cramps

Heat Exhaustion

What is it?

The body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating.

Symptoms:

Plan of Action:

Untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, which is a life-threatening condition.
If you suspect heat exhaustion, take these steps immediately:
Contact a health care provider if signs or symptoms worsen or if the person doesn't improve after taking first-aid measures.
Call 911 or your local emergency number if the person's condition gets worse, especially if he or she experiences:

Heatstroke

What is it?

The most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer control it's temperature when exposed to excessively high temperatures.

Symptoms:

When to Seek Emergency Care:

If you suspect heatstroke, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Move the person out of the heat right away. Cool the person by whatever means available. For example:
If the person is conscious, offer chilled water, a sports drink containing electrolytes, or other nonalcoholic beverage without caffeine.
Begin CPR if the person loses consciousness and shows no signs of circulation, such as breathing, coughing, or movement.

Sunburn

What is it?

To burn or discolor from the sun.

Symptoms:

The affected skin will be:

Plan of Action:

Seek immediate medical care if you are sunburned and experience:
If you have a sunburn:
Seek medical care for large blisters or those that form on the face, hands or genitals. Also seek medical help if you have worsening pain, headache, confusion, nausea, fever, chills, eye pain or vision changes, or signs of infection, such as blisters with swelling, pus or streaks.