| HOT WEATHER EMERGENCIES |
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| KNOW THE SYMPTOMS TO HELP YOURSELF AND YOUR FELLOW RUNNERS |
| HEAT CRAMPS: Occur suddenly after exertion, usually involve the muscles in the back of the leg, may also effect the abdominal region |
| HEAT EXHAUSTION: Perspiring heavily, normal to slightly elevated body temperature, extreme thirst, fatigue, headache and possible nausea and vomiting. Symptoms can be mistaken for the flu. |
| HEAT STROKE: Althought there are two types of heat stroke (classic and exertional), we will deal with the most common for athletes - exertional: body is hot to the touch, the mental state of the victim is altered: disoriented, confused, irrational, agitated, aggressive, seizures are possible and in severe cases, coma. |
| HEAT CRAMPS: 1. Find a cool place and rest. 2. Drink one of the commercially available sports drinks (Gatorade, Powerade) 3. Stretch the effected muscle. NOTE: It might take a couple of hours to completely recover. |
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| HEAT EXHAUSTION: 1. Get the victim into a cool place. 2. Give water. If the victim does not respond in approximately 20 minutes try giving commerially available sports drink (Gatorade, Powerade) 3. Raise the victim's legs approximately one foot (12 inches) off the ground keeping the legs straight, remove clothing. 4. Cool the victim by pouring water on them and use a fan to cool. 5. If no response within 30 minutes, get professional medical help. |
| HEAT STROKE: 1. Move the victim into a cool place. 2. Remove all clothing down to the underwear. 3. Slightly elevate the victim's head and neck. 4. Get an ambulance immediately. 5. Begin cooling the victim down by pouring water on them, using a fan, and placing ice, wrapped in towels, on the large veins. DO NOT: 1. DO NOT stop cooling the victim while waiting for the ambulance. 2. DO NOT continue cooling the victim if their mental status has improved 3. DO NOT use rubbing alcohol. It can be absorbed through the skin and cause poisoning. |
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