Body Temperature
Overheating
No matter where you live, weather can be unpredictable and dangerous at times. Even when skies are clear, scorching temperatures can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke as a result of your body overheating. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
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Cool, damp skin with goosebumps despite being in the heat
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Profuse sweating
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Feeling light-headed, dizzy, and/or have a headache
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Fatigue
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Nausea
To prevent or stop heat exhaustion:
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Cease all activity and rest
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Find a cooler location if possible
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Drink water and stay hydrated
If you or someone is experiencing heat exhaustion and symptoms don’t improve after one hour, seek immediate medical attention.
Hypothermia
Low body temperature, or hypothermia, occurs when your body cannot produce heat fast enough or retain it. When the body’s temperature lowers, the organs, nervous system, and heart can’t function properly. If a person’s body temperature falls below 95° F, seek medical attention right away.
What to do:
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Limit movements to only necessary motions. Excessive or jarring movements may cause cardiac arrest.
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Move the person out of the cold if possible and keep their body in a horizontal position.
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Remove any wet clothing as it would only be a hindrance to their body temperature. Cut away clothes if necessary to avoid jarring movements.
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Cover the person with thick layers of dry fabric or blankets to keep them warm. Cover their head, but leave their face exposed.
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Monitor their breathing. A person undergoing severe hypothermia may appear unconscious. If their breathing stops, begin CPR immediately.
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DO NOT apply direct heat to the person. The extreme change in temperature may cause damage to the skin or stop the heart.