Heat Awareness
Thursday, April 27, 2023
Heat-Related Illnesses
• Heat cramps.
• Heat exhaustion.
• Heat stroke.
HEAT CRAMPS
Heat cramps, a type of heat illness, are muscle spasms that result from loss of large amount of salt and water through exercise. Heat cramps are associated with cramping in the abdomen, arms and calves. This can be caused by inadequate consumption of fluids or electrolytes.
Symptoms
Look for these symptoms in athletes when heat cramps are suspected:
• Dehydration, thirst, sweating, transient (short term) muscle cramps, and fatigue.
• Painful, involuntary muscle spasms (usually occurring in the legs) associated with exercise in the heat when athletes have been sweating profusely.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
Heat exhaustion is a condition whose symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, a result of your body overheating. It's one of three heat-related syndromes, with heat cramps being the mildest and heatstroke being the most severe.
Symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
• Confusion.
• Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration)
• Dizziness.
• Fainting.
• Fatigue.
• Headache.
• Muscle or abdominal cramps.
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
HEATSTROKE
Heatstroke is a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. This most serious form of heat injury, heatstroke, can occur if your body temperature rises to 104 F (40 C) or higher. The condition is most common in the summer months.
Symptoms
Heat stroke symptoms
• High body temperature.
• Hot, red, dry or damp skin.
• Fast, strong pulse.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea.
• Confusion.
• Losing consciousness.
We work in an Industry where exposure to heat is unavoidable. Preventing these 3 heat related Illnesses, is a priority of every crewmember. All of us are different, and not everyone will be affected the same way and in the same time frame, when exposed to body stresses in the heat.
There are preventive measures to use, to lessen the chances of heat illnesses.
1. Rest
2. Proper diets (involve your cooks in meal planning for the up coming tow work)
3. Hydration
4. Placing water in work areas.
5. Head coverings
6. Frequent breaks
7. Wet neck wraps
8. Planning/Timing heavy work for the cooler part of the days (when possible)
9. Monitor crewmembers after a Crew change to be sure they get accustomed to the heat.
10. Watch each other and talk with each other, let your fellow crewmates know when your getting overheated
Remember no job, or task is so important that it can't be done safely.
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