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A. Signs and Symptoms <br /> 1. Skin rash over affected areas of the body. <br /> 2. Tingling or prickling sensation on the affected areas. <br /> B. Emergency Care <br /> I. Take shower after working in heat. <br /> 2. Dry the skin thoroughly. <br /> 3. Change underwear as needed. <br /> 4. Stay in cool place after work hours. <br /> 5. Avoid repeated exposure to heated environment until condition improves,when possible. <br /> HEAT CRAMPS <br /> Heat Cramps are muscle pains, usually in the lower extremities, the abdomen, or both, which occur secondary to profuse <br /> sweating with accompanying salt depletion. Heat Cramps most often afflict people in good physical condition,who overwork <br /> in conditions of high temperature and humidity.Untreated,Heat Cramps may progress to Heat Exhaustion. <br /> Treatment of Heat Cramps is aimed at eliminating the exposure and restoring the loss of salts and water. <br /> A. Signs and Symptoms <br /> 1. Cramps in the extremities and abdomen, which come on suddenly during vigorous activity. Heat <br /> Cramps can be mild with only slight abdominal cramping and tingling in the extremities,but more <br /> commonly present intense and incapacitating pain in the abdomen and extremities. <br /> 2. Respiration rate will increase,decreasing after the pain subsides. <br /> 3. Pulse rate will increase. <br /> 4. Skin will be pale and moist. <br /> 5. Body temperature will be normal. <br /> 6. Loss of consciousness,airway maintenance are seldom problems with this condition. <br /> 7. Generalized weakness will be noted as the pain subsides. <br /> B. Emergency Care <br /> Move the worker to a cool environment.Have him lie down if he feels faint. <br /> If the worker is not nauseated he may be given 1 or 2 glasses of an electrolyte solution. Have the worker drink slowly. The <br /> use of salt tablets is not recommended,as they may precipitate nausea. <br /> If the worker is nauseated avoid giving anything by mouth until the nausea subsides. <br /> Avoid massaging the cramping muscles.This rarely helps and may actually aggravate the pain. <br /> As the salt and water level is replenished,the worker's pain will subside.He may wish to return to work,however this is NOT <br /> recommended for a period of 12 hours.Further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. <br /> These are only guidelines for the care of Heat Related Emergencies. Actual training in emergency medical care or basic first <br /> aid is recommended. <br /> Page 20 <br />