HEAT STRESS

Ernelle D. Caragay, RN
OBJECTIVES :

At the end of the session, participants will be able to :

 Define what is Heat Stress.

 Know the normal human body temperature of healthy adult.
 Enumerate the three types of heat transfer.
 Have a basic knowledge on Heat Rash, Heat Stress, Heat
Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.
 Know basic signs and symptoms for Heat Stress, Heat
Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.
 Identify treatment methods/first aid related to problems
discussed.
 Define what is Dehydration.
 Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration and Severe Dehydration
WHAT IS HEAT STRESS?

 Heat stress - the buildup of heat in the body

generated by the muscles during work and of
heat coming from warm and hot
environments.

 Heat exhaustion and heat stroke result

when the body is subjected to more heat than
it can cope with.
• Human body temperature ranges from 36 to 37.5º C ( core
body temperature)

Hypothalamus Thermoregulatory center

2 Thermoreceptor
Blood- core temperature
Skin- external temperature
3 Types of Heat Transfer

Heat movement is from high to low degree temperature….

Conduction the heat moves down its thermal gradient from

the warmer to the cooler object

Convection the difference in temperature between the air

and the skin temperature together with the rate of air
movement over the skin

Radiation surface of the human body constantly emits heat

in the form of electromagnetic waves. Simultaneously, all
other dense objects are radiating heat.
 Bodies response to heat

Heat Balance Cooling

evaporation
S H S of sweat

H H
External
Heat sources
hot weather
radiant heat sources Internal
Heat sources
muscle activity
 Contributing Factors
Environmental
 temperature
 humidity
 radiant heat
 wind speed
Personal Factors

 Age
 Weight
 Fitness
 Acclimatization – increased tolerance to heat that comes
from working in a hot environment for a period 1-2 weeks.
INDIVIDUALS AT RISK

 All individuals who work in hot environments

(inside and outside) are at risk of developing
heat stress.

 More intense and strenuous workloads, put

individuals at a greater risk.

 Wearing PPE such as respirators and

protective suits can also increase this risk.
HEAT DISORDERS

 Heat Rash
 Heat Cramps

 Heat Exhaustion

 Heat Stroke
HEAT DISORDERS
 Heat Rash
 Also known as “Prickly Heat.”

 Occurs when sweat cannot freely evaporate from the

skin and sweat ducts become plugged. This
inflammation can cause a red rash.
Signs and symptoms

 rash characterized by small pink or red bumps

 irritation or ”prickly ”sensation
 Itching

Heat Rash – Treatment

 keep skin clean and dry to prevent infection
 wear loose cotton clothing
 cool baths and air conditioning are very helpful
 some over-the counter lotions may help ease pain and itching
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms of either
active muscles (arms, legs) or involuntary (usually
abdominal) muscles (or both).

Signs and symptoms:

 Cramping or spasms of muscles

 May occur during or after the work
Heat Cramps – Treatment

 Drink an electrolyte solution (sports drink) such

as Gatorade
 Rest in a cool environment
 If the cramps are severe or not relieved by
drinking a sports drink, seek medical attention
from as appropriate.
Heat Exhaustion
 Mild form of shock caused when the circulatory system
begins to fail as a result of the body’s inadequate effort to
give off excessive heat.

 Although not an immediate threat to life, if not properly

treated, could evolve into heat stroke.
Heat Exhaustion - Symptoms

 Headache, dizziness, or fainting

 Weakness and wet skin
 Irritability or confusion
 Thirst, nausea, or vomiting
Heat Exhaustion – Treatment
 Do not leave the person alone
 Move to a cool place to rest
 Drink water or electrolyte fluids
 Treat for shock, if necessary
 If unconscious, fails to recover rapidly, has
other injuries, or has a
 History of medical problems, seek medical
attention.
Heat Stroke

 Severe and sometimes fatal condition resulting from

the failure of the body to regulate its core
temperature.

* Sweating stops and the body cannot get rid

of excess heat *
Heat Stroke – Symptoms

 Mental confusion, delirium, fainting, or seizures

 Body temperature of 106ºF or 41.1ºC or higher
 Hot, dry skin, usually red or bluish color
Heat Stroke - Treatment

 Move the victim to a cool place.

 Remove heavy clothing; light clothing can be left in
place.
 Immediately cool the victim by any available means
such as placing ice packs at areas with abundant
blood supply (neck, armpits, and groin). Wet towels or
sheets are also effective. The cloths should be kept
wet with cool water.
 To prevent hypothermia continue cooling the victim until
their temperature drops to 102º F or 38.8 º C.
 Keep the victim's head and shoulders slightly elevated.
 Seek medical attention immediately.
 All heat stroke victims need hospitalization.
 Care for seizures if they occur.
 Monitor vital signs
DEHYDRATION
Dehydration is defined as the excessive loss of
body fluid. It is literally the removal of water.

• On an average day each human individual

looses around 10 cups of water just for our basic
bodily functions such as breathing sweating and
waste elimination.
Causes of Dehydration

-includes prolonged bouts of vomiting and diarrhea, high

fever, excessive sweating and exercise inadequate water
intake during hot weather

Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration

 Thirst
 A dry sticky mouth
 Decreased urine output
 Headache
 Rapid pulse
 Dizziness and light headedness
 Muscle weakness
 Sleepiness and fatigue
Signs and Symptoms of Severe Dehydration

 Extreme thirst
 Very dry mouth, skin and mucous membrane
 Lack of sweating
 Little or no urination
 Sunken eyes
 Shrunken or dry skin without elasticity
 Low blood pressure
 Rapid heartbeat
 Fever
- it is said that in a hot Arabian desert a person
looses about 3 gallons or more of water just from
sweating
 AM I HYDRATED ?
Urine Color Chart

If your URINE matches the colors 1, 2, 3

2
you are properly hydrated

4
If your URINE color is Below the RED line,
you are
5
DEHYDRATED and at risk for Heat disorders
6
YOU NEED TO DRINK MORE WATER !!!

8
How much water should you drink?

-It is used to recommend drinking 8 to 10 times of 8 ounce

glass of water daily. There is new guideline for daily water
intake is about 3.6 liters for men, this includes all forms of
water intake, example from food all types of beverages and
just drinking plain water.

Thirst is the first sign of that you may need more fluids….
Ignoring the THIRST signal could put you on the road to
dehydration…..

When the HEAT is ON,

WATER isn’t OPTIONAL
Points to Remember
 Heat stress is serious and should be
handled as such.
 As strain from heat increases, body
temperature and heart rate can rise
rapidly.
 Exposure to heat can be serious to
children and adults.
 Have plenty of liquids available and
administer first aid as needed.
PREVENTION METHODS
 Acclimatization
 Work in pairs
 Drink plenty of cool water or electrolyte
replacement fluids even if not thirsty. (One
small cup every 15-20 minutes)
 Be able to recognize early signs &
symptoms of heat-induced illness and take
appropriate action to prevent serious heat
disorders.
 Schedule most strenuous work during the
coolest times of the day.
PREVENTION METHODS
 Spend as little time as possible in direct sunlight.
 Take frequent breaks in cool, shaded areas.
 Wear light, loose fitting, clothing.
 Avoid caffeine, which can make the body loose
water.
 Rotate workers in and out of hot areas if possible.
REMEMBER, WHEN IT’S HOT:

Heed your body! watch for symptoms!

Ensure you’re drinking enough!
Adjust your activity level – slow down!
Take clothing/PPE into account!
Thank You
for
Listening