Heat Emergencies

Summer time in St. Louis is here along with the heat and humidity that St. Louis is famous for. In my many years as a paramedic here in St. Louis, I have seen my share of heat emergencies. I thought I would give a quick overview of the three main types of heat emergencies and how each should be treated.

 The first type of heat emergency is Heat Cramps. Heat cramps come on when an individual becomes overheated and dehydrated. Signs and symptoms of heat cramps include profuse sweating and cramps usually in an extremity like the legs or calves or in the stomach. As soon as you feel these cramps, you should find a cool place to rest and rehydrate. If an air conditioned room or vehicle is not available, find a shaded area and rest. Heat cramps usually occur during activity in hot humid environments. Drinking water slowly is best but sport drinks can also be used. A problem with sport drinks is the high sugar content. This makes some people feel nauseated.

 Once you're cooled and re-hydrated the cramps should subside. If the cramping is not alleviated, seek medical attention at a local Urgent Care or emergency room.

 The second type of heat emergency is Heat Exhaustion. Like the name denotes, someone with heat exhaustion will present tired, their breathing will most likely be rapid their heart rate will be fast and they will be sweating profusely (a lot). This is the time to get this person into an air conditioned building or vehicle. Rapid cooling is essential. Place cool towels or ice packs on their neck, arm pits, and groin. A person with Heat Exhaustion needs to be re-hydrated with water or sport drinks. In severe cases, these people may need IV fluids to replenish the fluids lost due to sweating. If after cooling someone they continue to not feel well, call 911 or get them to an emergency room or an Urgent Care that can provide IV re-hydration. Whenever you are in doubt, having the opinion of a trained medical professional is always the best course of action.

 The third type of heat emergency is Heat Stroke. Heat Stroke is life threatening and a true emergency. Someone with heat stoke will have gone through the stage of Heat Exhaustion and at some point their body's thermo-regulating system had too much and shut down. The Heat Stoke patient will have hot dry skin. They can no longer sweat. Their clothes may still be wet from sweating but as times goes on their skin will have become dry, red and hot to the touch. People with heat stroke will have a decreased level of consciousness, they will not be totally coherent. Depending on the severity they may be listless or they may be unconscious. First aid for these patients is immediate cooling. Call 911 and get these people in a cool place. Ice packs to the neck, arm pits and groin are needed. If you have access to a water hose and fan pour water over the patient and run the fan to cool them. People with heat stroke will have an increased body temperature Typically over 105 degrees F. Those most likely to suffer from heat stroke are the elderly. If you know an elderly person who does not have air conditioning or refuses to use it due to the high cost, check on them regularly. Make sure they are well hydrated and comfortable.

 There are lots of fun things to do in St. Louis in the summer-time. Enjoy the outdoors and stay cool.