How to prevent heat stroke and other heat-related emergencies

It’s only June, and Americans across parts of the US South and West have already experienced record heat waves. Extreme heat weather events are expected to affect more than 60 million people across the US this summer. This comes as last summer was officially deemed the hottest recorded. The rate of emergency department visits related to extreme heat increased significantly in 2023 compared to the previous five years, with nearly 120,000 visits due to heat-related issues, according to a recent study. With summer temperatures on the rise, what should people know about the dangerous condition of heat stroke? What are the symptoms, and how can others recognize if someone needs help? What are other types of illnesses associated with extreme heat? Especially those most susceptible to the ill effects of high temperatures? To find out how to handle the heat, CNN spoke with a wellness analyst. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that must be treated immediately. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, and the person can’t cool down. Symptoms include confusion, dizziness, fainting, slurred speech, unconsciousness, seizures, and abnormal heart rates. Bystanders should call emergency services and move the person to a shaded, cool area, and apply cold, wet cloths or ice packs on the neck, armpits, and groin. Before heat stroke, heat exhaustion may occur, with symptoms like nausea, tiredness, dizziness, headache, heavy sweating, and cool, clammy skin. It’s crucial to move to a cool place, loosen clothes, take a cool bath, or place wet cloths on the body. Heat cramps can also happen during physical activity and can be relieved by stopping exercise and hydrating. Extreme heat can exacerbate underlying medical conditions, strain organs, and worsen health risks from chronic diseases. The most susceptible groups are the very young, the elderly, and those with chronic medical conditions. People in these groups should limit time outdoors during the hottest times of the day, exercise in cooler hours, find shade, and stay hydrated. Those who work outdoors or lack access to air-conditioned spaces should take precautions and seek cooling centers or temporary shelters during heat waves. It’s important for communities to watch out for vulnerable individuals during extreme weather events.