You may have heard the tragic news about ex New York Giants offensive lineman, Mitch Petrus passing away from heat stroke on Thursday in Little Rock, KS. He had been working outside in the 100 degree heat, became overheated and suffered heat stroke, went to the hospital and passed away.

This weekend’s weather is no joking matter. You need to be careful working in this heat, take breaks and drink lots of water. So what about heat stroke and heat exhaustion? Let’s look at the difference and how to treat them.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Signs include cool, moist, pale, ashen or flushed skin; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion.

If you think a person has heat exhaustion Move the person to a cooler environment with circulating air. Remove or loosen as much clothing as possible and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fanning or spraying the person with water also can help. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of a cool fluid such as a commercial sports drink or fruit juice to restore fluids and electrolytes. Milk or water may also be given. Give about 4 ounces of fluid every 15 minutes.

HEAT STROKE

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs by ignoring the signals of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat and begin to stop functioning.

Signs include extremely high body temperature, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing; confusion; vomiting; and seizures.  Call 9-1-1 immediately.

Rapidly cool the body by immersing the person up to the neck in cold water, if possible OR douse or spray the person with cold water.

Be careful during this heatwave and keep an eye on your elderly family member s and neighbors.

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