Heatstroke is Preventable
Extreme heat is a major concern for athletes, diabetics and seniors, especially in Texas.
Heatstroke requires immediate medical treatment to prevent brain damage, organ failure and even death.
Every case of heatstroke can be prevented with proper education and planning.
Committed to Preventing Heatstroke
The trauma team members at University Hospital believe prevention is the most reliable cure for critical injuries like heatstroke. During the spring and summer months, we see heatstroke cases in our Level I trauma center every week.
The key to saving lives is teaching kids, parents, seniors and caregivers what to avoid, what symptoms to look for and how to react quickly. Reducing heatstroke requires the involvement and support of our entire community.
Signs of Heatstroke
- Body temperature of 104° F or higher
- Rapid pulse
- Hot, flushed skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion, disorientation or changed mental state
- Slurred speech
- Fainting
If you suspect someone has heatstroke, call 911 immediately. Heatstroke can cause brain damage, organ damage and death.
What to Do if Someone Has Heatstroke
- Call 911.
- Move them to a shady, cool or air-conditioned place.
- Keep them still – don’t let them sit or stand up.
- Loosen or remove their clothing.
- Cool them down with whatever you can find – damp towels, ice packs, a hose, fan, etc.
- Put ice packs or cool washcloths on their neck and under their armpits.
- If they are unconscious:
- Lay them on their side and be sure they are breathing.
- Perform CPR if they are not breathing.
Prevent Hot Car Deaths
Leaving an infant or young child alone in a vehicle is extremely dangerous. Maybe you just need one item from the store or you’re running in to grab carry-out. Too many tragedies start with an understandable but irreversible decision like one of these.
Heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children. Leaving a child alone in a car can lead to serious injury or death from heatstroke.
Even on a mild, 70-degree day, the temperature inside of a car can rise 20 degrees in just 10 minutes.
ACT to Save a Child
Our partner, Safe Kids Worldwide, developed an acronym to reduce the number of pediatric deaths from heatstroke. It’s called ACT:
- A – Avoid leaving your child alone in a vehicle.
- C – Create reminders by putting an item in the back seat you will need at your final destination, such as your purse, briefcase or cell phone.
- T – Take action. If you see a child alone in a car call 911.
Tips to Prevent Hot Car Deaths
- Teach kids not to play in cars.
- Lock your vehicle when you’re not using it.
- Keep keys and remote fobs out of children’s sight and reach.
- Teach kids that trunks are not safe places to play or hide.
- If your child is locked in a car, get them out as quickly as possible and dial 911 immediately.
Get more hot car statistics and safety tips from Safe Kids Worldwide.
Heat Guidelines for People with Diabetes
High heat and humidity can affect medication, testing supplies and your general health if you have diabetes.
Safely Store Your Insulin
If you travel with insulin during hot weather, keep these tips in mind:
- Keep insulin out of direct sunlight.
- Don’t leave insulin in your vehicle.
- If you use a cooler, don't place your insulin directly on ice or frozen gel packs.
- Don't leave your insulin pump or other supplies in the sun, in your vehicle, near a pool or on the beach.
Manage Your Health
If you manage your diabetes, you are used to taking extra precautions to avoid dangerous situations. Take the same approach when the weather is warm and follow these guidelines:
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and don't wait until you’re thirsty.
- If your doctor has limited your liquid intake, ask for recommendations to stay hydrated.
- Wear sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing.
- Exercise indoors if possible. If exercising outdoors, workout closer to dawn or dusk.
Heat Safety Tips for Seniors
Older adults’ bodies adjust to heat more slowly than younger people’s. They may also have other health conditions that put them at higher risk for heat illness, like:
- Dehydration
- High blood pressure
- Heart, lung and kidney disease
- Use of multiple medications
- Poor blood circulation
- Being over- or underweight
Heat Safety Tips for Athletes
Visit our sports safety page for information about dehydration and heat illness in athletes.
