Hot weather and heat waves can cause heat exhaustion and the more severe, and potentially fatal, heat stroke.
Heat Stroke
- Student’s skin may be hot and red, dry or moist. When sweating stops, students condition has worsened and may now be life threatening. They may be experiencing changes in consciousness, as well as vomiting and seizures
- Call 000 immediately. Heat stroke is life-threatening. Provide constant reassurance while waiting for ambulance.
- Move student to cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply ice packs or cool, wet cloths under arms and around groin. Fan student and if conscious, give small amounts of cool water to sip slowly.
Supplies
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke? Heat exhaustion typically involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating in high heat and humidity. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition in which a student’s temperature control system stops working and their body is unable to cool itself.
What are heat cramps? Muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen caused by exposure to high heat and humidity and loss of fluids and electrolytes. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat.
How do you treat heat cramps? Get the student to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle, and replenish their fluids with a half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes.
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