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Kennedy/Jenks Consultants Section 5: First Aid for Heat Illness Heat Illness can be classified into three conditions: Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Stroke. All three conditions should be considered serious. Heat Stroke is a critical, life- threatening condition. First Aid for Heat Illness always includes shade and rest. Specific guidelines are listed below. When treating Heat Illness, it is important to recognize that the condition developed gradually. Patient recovery will be gradual as well. A person with Heat Illness will not have the condition resolved following a 10 minute break. Extended shade, rest and rehydration may be necessary. 5.1 First Aid for Heat Cramps Heat cramps may be prevented by adequate hydration prior to activity. Drink fluids early and often. Beginning one hour before activity in warm weather, each person should drink one quart of water each hour. To treat heat cramps, rehydrate by increasing oral intake of water and discontinue all strenuous activity for 24 hours. Rest in a shaded area for at least one hour. Proper fluids for rehydration include water and electrolyte drinks. Carbonated and caffeinated beverages such as soda and coffee are not acceptable means of hydration. Caffeine produces a dehydrating effect on the body. 5.2 First Aid for Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion is a condition requiring immediate attention. It has the potential to become a life-threatening emergency. Immediate treatment requires stopping all strenuous activity and initiating significant oral intake of fluids. The affected person should drink at least one quart of water per hour for the next several hours. Remove the affected person from any warm environment. Remove excessive or wet clothing. Remain with the affected person. Contact WorkCare at (888) 449-7787 if the person's condition does not improve within the next hour. 5.3 First Aid for Heat Stroke Heat Stroke is a critical, life-threatening emergency. Call 9-1-1 for medical aid. Cool the person off as quickly as possible. Move person to a shaded area. Remove all clothing from the person. Cover the person with copious amounts of cool, not cold, water. Increase air circulation around the person by use of hand or mechanical fans. Place ice, if available, at the base of the neck, in the armpits, and in the groin area. If trained in CPR, maintain an open airway and monitor breathing. Heat Illness Prevention Program Page 10 Kennedy/Jenks Consultants©, March 2015 U:ICOR-UserUmMDocument originalsTormatted Final Versions