How to deal with heat exhaustion and heat stroke

We show you how to recognize heat illness and stay safe in the summer sun.

Ottawa is entering a stretch of near 30 C weather, and while it’s great to soak up the sun, the CEO and medical officer of health of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit says it’s important to stay vigilant when it comes to sun illness.

“Be aware, take precautions but have fun,” Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, A.K.A. Dr. Paul, said.

Dr. Paul joined CTV’s Your Morning Ottawa on Wednesday to offer some advice on dealing with heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

What is heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion, is a non-life-threatening condition, and according to Dr. Paul, the “first stage” of heat-related illness.

As Dr. Paul explains, heat exhaustion is caused by the excessive loss of water and salts from prolonged exposure to heat.

Symptoms include headaches, excessive sweating, blurred vision, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, fatigue, thirst, a moderate increase in body temperature and feelings of light-headedness or dizziness.

“Those are the signs that you know if you don’t get out of the heat, something worse might happen,” Dr. Paul said.

“It really is important that people are aware of those things, because you want to avoid the next level, which is heat stroke,” he said.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a more serious heat-related illness and occurs when your body loses the ability to regulate its temperature. While heat exhaustion is not life-threatening, heat stroke can be fatal.

“What happens there is you’re flushed; red. You don’t sweat anymore because your body can’t fight with you,” Dr. Paul said.

According to Ottawa Public Health, symptoms of heat stroke include hot and dry skin, an increased internal body temperature, headaches, dizziness and disorientation, agitation or confusion. It can also include seizures, loss of consciousness, rapid heartbeat and hallucinations.

“Looking at behavior change, they’re not responding properly, they’re clammy, they’re kind of like in and out — those are the things that tell you there’s impending problems going on,” Dr. Paul said.

Prevention

Dr. Paul recommends checking the daily temperature and humidex to see if heat stroke or exhaustion are a risk. According to Dr. Paul, people should be cautious when the humidex is above 35. A humidex above 46 should be considered dangerous.

To prevent both heat stroke and heat exhaustion, take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids when outdoors in extreme heat.

“Frequent hydration breaks,” Dr. Paul said. “I mean, you’re even seeing it now in the World Cup, right? they’re taking hydration breaks, and so it’s the same thing.”

Ottawa Public Health also recommends wearing light-coloured clothes and a hat to reflect heat from the sun. Additionally, people should avoid doing strenuous activities between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the heat and sunlight are at their most intense.

Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages can accelerate the effects of heat stroke.

While everyone is at risk of developing heat stroke, Dr. Paul says children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions are at the greatest risk.

Treatment

Treatment for both heat stroke and heat exhaustion are similar, in that steps should be taken to lower the temperature of the person suffering from the condition.

If someone is believed to be suffering from heat stroke, 911 should be contacted immediately as the condition can be fatal.

Ottawa Public Health recommends moving those suffering from heat-related conditions to a cool, dry place. Those suffering from heat exhaustion should lay down and rest, and drink fluids like water, juice or sports drinks, Ottawa Public Health says.

To help cool the person’s body, the organization recommends applying ice on the head, neck, armpits and groin. Cool water can also be applied to the person’s skin and then fanned. The cool water should be reapplied often.

• Sign up now for daily CTV News Ottawa newsletters
• The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App