Too Hot To Trot

posted 08/15/2008
Well, I think that summer has finally come to San Juan Island. The beautifully warm and sunny weather brings out the best in us, as well as increases the heat within us if we're not careful. As we age, we lose some of our ability to sweat and to regular our body temperature. We also lose our thirst mechanism which keeps us hydrated and able to sweat.

If we overwork a muscle, it can cause muscle cramps which can be treated with simple fluids, stretching, and replenishing salt and potassium in the body. Usually, rest and hydration are enough to treat this condition. We can become exhausted of our water supplies and actually sweat out too much water. This is called heat exhaustion and should be treated with replenishing that water and decreasing our activity. Getting ourselves into a cool place will also help. The person may be dizzy and need medical attention, but usually, drinking some juices and water and rest is enough to treat this.

Some medications as well as too much clothing, extreme temperatures, and too little water can also cause us to fall into heat stroke. This life threatening condition is where the body's temperature rises above 106 degrees and our brain actually begin to swell and bleed. This can lead to irreparable brain damage and stroke. You should immediately cool the person's head and body, vigorously rub their arms and legs to help the heat to escape, and call for the ambulance. The patient will be red and very hot to the touch. Keep them on their side as you rapidly cool them and watch out for seizures.

Since prevention and moderation are the keys to preventing these, remember that adequate hydration can help keep these conditions from happening in the first place. If you do need help though, call 9-1-1 and provide the first aid listed above. Help is on the way!

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Chief Jim Cole from San Juan Island EMS has been a Nationally Registered Paramedic for more than 20 years and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Health and a Master of Art Degree in Higher Education. He is currently enrolled in the Health Sciences Master Degree Program in Emergency Services Management through George Washington University. Prior to coming to San Juan, he was the Director of the School of EMS for the Cleveland Clinic Health System. Suggestions for future topics can be sent to chief@sanjuanems.org.