Emergency Medical Services would like to remind citizens that prevention is the best defense against heat related illness. Additionally, children and the elderly can be particularly susceptible to the effects of heat and sun. You can reduce the risk of suffering a heat related emergency this summer by following these simple steps: stay well-hydrated at all times by drinking plenty of water. Remember that excessive alcohol consumption will actually work to dehydrate you. Wear lightly colored, tightly woven, but loose fitting clothing with a broad brimmed hat. Use a waterproof sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 or higher (especially for children) and reapply it often. Attempt to stay out of the mid-day sun (10am-4pm) when UV rays are at their highest even on cloudy days. Try to avoid heavy physical exertion in hot, high humidity conditions. If you begin to feel ill or develop cramps, get out of the sun immediately and rest in a cool environment until you feel better.
Heat Related Illness 
Heat cramps:
- Heat cramps may develop in over-worked muscles (often the calves, thighs, abdomen and shoulders) after strenuous activity in the heat.
- Care for all heat related illness begins with removing the patient from the hot environment. Gentle stretching of the cramped muscle, along with re-hydration will generally relieve most heat cramps.
Heat exhaustion:
- Heat exhaustion can occur after excessive fluid loss during periods of prolonged sweating in a hot environment.
- Signs and symptoms include headaches, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, thirst, giddiness, chills and profuse sweating. The patient is usually cold and damp to the touch and skin may appear gray or dusky.
- Remove excess or tight fitting clothing.
- If the patient is conscious and alert, provide suitable fluids such as tomato or orange juice, or a commercially available sodium balanced sports drink.
Heat Stroke:
- Heat stroke is a dire medical emergency. Without rapid intervention, it can be fatal.
- It occurs when the body’s own cooling mechanisms have been completely overcome and it can no longer cool itself. Left untreated, the body’s temperature will continue to rise.
- Early signs and symptoms are similar to heat exhaustion, but may progress to include the cessation of sweating, therefore the patient will appear flushed, and skin may be hot and dry to the touch. The patient may be disoriented and may eventually lose consciousness.
- Call 9-1-1 immediately.
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