Recognizing Heat Illness

Heat rash is red clusters of pimples or small blisters, usually on the neck, upper chest, or in skin folds, from sweat that can't evaporate. Get to a cooler, less humid spot and keep the area dry. Don't put ointment on it.

Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms, often in the belly, arms, or legs, from losing salt and water in sweat. What to do:

• Stop the activity and sit in a cool place.
• Drink water, and have a snack or a drink that replaces carbs and electrolytes, like a sports drink, every 15 to 20 minutes.
• Don't go back to hard work for a few hours after the cramps settle — that can lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.
• Get medical help if the cramps don't ease within an hour, or if the worker has heart problems or is on a low-sodium diet.

Heat syncope is fainting or dizziness, usually from standing too long or getting up fast in the heat, often in people who aren't acclimatized. Sit or lie the person down in a cool place and have them slowly sip water.

Heat exhaustion is the serious warning shot. Signs are heavy sweating, cold and clammy pale skin, a fast weak pulse, headache, nausea, dizziness, and feeling weak or faint. First aid:

• Move the worker to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned area.
• Give cool water or a sports drink, small sips.
• Loosen clothing; put cool wet cloths on the body or have them wash face, neck, and arms with cool water.
• Have them rest. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last longer than an hour, or if they start vomiting or acting confused — confusion means it may be turning into heat stroke.

Heat stroke is the top of the scale and it kills. The body can no longer control its temperature and it climbs fast. Signs are confusion, slurred speech, passing out, seizures, and very high body temperature — skin may be hot and dry OR hot and sweaty.

This is a call-911 emergency. Cool the worker right away while help is coming. → see Heat Stroke — A Medical Emergency for the full response.