Triple digit heat

In the Los Angeles area, the Antelope Valley could soar to 105 degrees by today.

During hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged in ways you may not expect.

Stay #WeatherReady by learning the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses.

Take rest breaks in the shade or a cool area to avoid spending long periods of times in the heat.

• Avoid beverages such as alcohol and caffeinated energy drinks that can dehydrate the body. Drinking alcohol within 24 hours of working in the heat can increase the risk of heat illness. Drinking several energy drinks per day can raise your caffeine levels enough to affect your heart. High caffeine levels can be risky when added to the strain placed on your body by heat.

• Be aware that some medications’ (Benadryl and other cold and allergy medicines, Adderall, Ritalin, Bactrim, tetracycline, etc.) side effects may exacerbate the symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Consult your primary care physician or your pharmacist. Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Loss of consciousness (coma)

• Hot dry skin, profuse sweating

• Seizures

• Confusion, (altered mental status, slurred speech)

• Very high body temperature (above 103 OF)

Steps to Save a Life During a Heat Stress Emergency

Heat Exhaustion Emergency Steps

• Take the employee to the Occupational Health clinic or nurse’s station for medical evaluation and treatment if one is available at the establishment.

• If medical care is unavailable, call 911.

• Ensure someone always stays with the employee until help arrives.

• Remove worker from hot area and give liquids to drink.

• Remove unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks.

• Cool the worker with cold compresses or have the worker wash head, face, and neck with cold water.

• Encourage frequent sips of cool water.

If a person faints (short duration) and presents dizziness and/or light-headedness during prolonged standing or when suddenly rising from a sitting or lying position, have the employee sit or lie down in a cool place and slowly drink water, clear juice or a sports drink.

Heat Stroke Emergency Steps

• Call 911 for emergency medical care.

• Stay with worker until emergency medical services arrive.

• Move the worker to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing.

• Cool the worker quickly with a cold water or ice bath if possible; wet the skin, place cold wet cloths on skin, or soak clothing with cool water.

• Circulate the air around the worker to speed cooling.

• Place cold wet cloths or ice on head, neck, armpits and groin; or soak the clothing with cool water.

photo : NMS LOS ANGELES