This week’s safety session covers how you can stay healthy when the summer heat hits!

The human body is normally able to regulate its temperature through sweating, until it is exposed to more heat than it can handle. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can escalate rapidly, leading to delirium, organ damage and even death.

People most at risk include:

·         Infants and young children, especially if left in hot cars.

·         People 65 and older

·         People who are ill, have chronic health conditions or are on certain medications

·         People who are overweight

Heat Exhaustion

When the body loses excessive water and salt, usually due to sweating, heat exhaustion can occur. According to the free NSC First Aid Quick Reference app, signs and symptoms include:

·         Sweating

·         Pale, ashen or moist skin

·         Muscle cramps (especially for those working or exercising outdoors in high temperatures)

·         Fatigue, weakness or exhaustion

·         Headache, dizziness or fainting

·         Nausea or vomiting

·         Rapid heart rate

Uncontrolled heat exhaustion can evolve into heat stroke, so make sure to treat victims quickly:

·         Move victims to a shaded or air-conditioned area

·         Give water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages

·         Apply wet towels, or have victims take a cool shower

Information obtained from www.nsc.org

Contact your safety team to report any safety issues: Director of Safety and Security ext. 6593 or Assistant Director of Safety and Security ext. 6590. Safety risks can also be reported using the online reporting system, Quantros.