This past weekend with record-setting temperatures was a reminder that summer heat can come on in a hurry here in the desert. Exertion and over-exposure even in the “dry heat” of Arizona can be serious business – even deadly.

The triple digit temperatures now showing daily on the thermometer will continue for weeks to come, and people need to be familiar with the precautions for heat.

According to emergency services personnel, the young, elderly and those in poor physical condition are most susceptible to heat-related health problems.

The human body’s natural cooling system works well most of the time under normal conditions. However, when excess heat is combined with over exertion, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur.

If heat-related medical emergencies are not immediately treated permanent damage and even death can occur.

Such emergencies can occur suddenly, but are preventable if the individual is aware of his or her body’s condition.

Drinking plenty of fluids is the best preventative measure to replace those lost in the body’s cooling process. At a minimum, a cup of water every half-hour is essential.

Water is the best beverage because it is absorbed naturally and quickly into the system. Drinks such as fruit juice, soft drinks and other beverages that contain sugar cannot be absorbed as rapidly.

Never drink alcohol in the sun because alcohol increases the body’s dehydration process.

Seek a cooler environment at the first sign of heat exposure.

Heat exhaustion is the most common illness caused by excessive heat, and it usually occurs when a person perspires heavily resulting in a loss of salt and water from the body. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, a weak rapid pulse and cold clammy skin that may also appear pale or grayish in color.

A victim of heat exhaustion should be moved to a cool environment, removing as much clothing as possible. The patient should lie on their back with feet slightly elevated.

Sponge them with cool water – use a fan if available – but be careful to avoid chilling the patient. If the patient does not show signs of disorientation, he may be given water to drink in small amounts.

The patient should respond immediately to this type of treatment by feeling physically better and regaining normal skin color. If this does not occur, dial 911 for professional medical help.

Heatstroke

Though heat exhaustion does not present a major life threatening situation, when untreated it can progress into heatstroke, the more serious form of heat exposure.

Heatstroke occurs when excessive exposure to the sun or intense heat without any intake of fluid results in a “shut down” of the body’s cooling system.

This can result in the body temperature rising to fever range within minutes. If heat continues to build inside the body at this level, permanent injury to brain cells, and even death, can occur.

Heatstroke symptoms include hot, dry, red skin and a strong pounding pulse. Heatstroke victims frequently experience initial headaches and dizziness, which may progress to unconsciousness.

Heatstroke is considered a medical emergency and must be treated immediately. Call 911 without delay to help a victim that is displaying symptoms.

After emergency medical help is alerted, the patient should be moved to a cool environment, removing as much clothing as possible. Any means available should be used to decrease the victim’s body temperature. However, liquids should not be given orally. The patient could be immersed in a bathtub filled with very cold water or, if a bathtub is not available, wrap him in a wet sheet or towel, preferably with a fan blowing cold air directly onto him. The patient should be taken to the hospital as soon as possible.

The American Red Cross recommends that people slow down during hot weather and avoid strenuous activity. If such activity is necessary it is recommended in the early part of the day between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.

Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor and out of the sunshine. Electric fans do not cool the air, they simply circulate it and assist the body’s natural cooling system.

Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy.

Drink plenty of water and often. The body needs it to cool itself. Drink plenty of fluid even if not thirsty.

Avoid beverages with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly but make the heat’s effect on the body worse.

Eat smaller meals more frequently during hot weather. Avoid foods high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.