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GIRMC Urges Awareness of Heat-Related Illness

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. As temperatures continue to soar through the months of July and August, Grand Island Regional Medical Center encourages an understanding of the signs of heat-related illnesses.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. Body temperature rises rapidly. In as few as 10-15 minutes temperatures can climb as high as 106 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heat stroke can result in permanent disability or fatality. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking emergency treatment is essential. The symptoms of heat stroke include:

Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
Loss of consciousness
Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
Seizures
High body temperature

How to respond to heat stroke:

Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Take the following steps to treat an individual with suspected heat stroke:

1. Call 911 for emergency care.

2. Stay with the individual until medical responders arrive.

3. Move the individual to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing.

4. Cool the individual with the following methods:

Cold water or an ice bath, if possible

Wet the skin

Place cold wet cloths on skin

Soak clothing with cool water

5. Circulate air around the individual to speed cooling
6. Place cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits and groin.

What is heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. This illness is likely to affect the elderly, people with high blood pressure and individuals working in a hot environment.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Weakness
Irritability
Thirst
Heavy sweating
Elevated body temperature
Decreased urine output

How to respond to heat exhaustion:

Take the individual to the emergency room for evaluation and treatment, or call 911
Stay with the individual until help arrives.
Remove the individual from the heat and offer liquids to drink.
Remove unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks.
Cool the individual with cold compresses. Wash head, face and neck with cold water.
Encourage frequent sips of cool water.

Seek medical attention promptly:

If summer heat gets the best of you, do not delay in visiting Grand Island Regional Medical Center for emergency care. Our Emergency Department is located at 3533 Prairieview Street in Grand Island. Our emergency entrance is located on the west side of our facility, look for the red flags and illuminated EMERGENCY sign.