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HEAT STROKE ~ <br /> Heat Stroke is caused by a severe disturbance in the body's heat- <br /> regulating mechanism and is a profound emergency, with a mortality rate <br /> ranging from 25 to 50 percent. It is most common in men over 40, <br /> especially in alcoholics . It can also occur in people of any age having <br /> too much exposure to the sun or prolonged confinement in a hot <br /> atmosphere. Heat stroke comes on suddenly. As the sweating mechanism <br /> fails, the body temperature begins to rise precipitously, reaching 106°F <br /> (41°C) or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. If the situation is not <br /> corrected rapidly, the body cells (especially the very vulnerable cells <br /> of the brain) are literally cooked, and irreversible central nervous <br /> system damage occurs. <br /> The treatment for Heat Stroke is aimed at maintaining vital functions <br /> and causing as rapid a temperature fall as possible. <br /> A. Signs and Symptoms <br /> 1. The worker' s pulse will be strong and bounding. <br /> 2. The skin will be hot, dry and flushed. <br /> 3. The worker may experience headache, dizziness, and <br /> dryness of mouth. <br /> 4. Seizures and coma occur. Loss of consciousness and <br /> airway maintenance problems can occur. <br /> B. Emergency Care <br /> 1. Establish an open airway. <br /> 2. Move the worker to a cool environment. Take off as <br /> much clothing as possible, place him in a semi- <br /> reclining position with the head elevated. <br /> 3. Use any means to cool the worker. Improvise with <br /> whatever is available. Remember, speed is <br /> essential; delay may result in permanent brain <br /> damage. Vigorous efforts to cool the worker must <br /> continue until the body temperature is below 102°F <br /> (38 . 9°C) . <br /> 4 . This is a true medical emergency, prompt intervention by <br /> Emergency Medical Services is recommended. <br /> These are only guidelines for the care of Heat Related Emergencies. <br /> Actual training in emergency medical care or basic first aid is <br /> recommended. <br /> 21 <br /> Site Safety i Health Plan Rev./1.0 <br /> October 20, 1997 <br />