Laserfiche WebLink
Neil O.Anderson &Associates HASP Page 8 of 21 <br /> March 18, 2014 <br /> ' If the patient vomits, stop giving him fluids and transport immediately to a hospital, <br /> where he/she can receive intravenous fluids. <br /> There are two ways to prevent heat exhaustion. If un-acclimated, do not overexert the body. <br /> Keep persons well hydrated with liquids that can replace the electrolytes lost in sweat and have <br /> frequent rest periods in cool places. <br /> CAUTION: PEOPLE WITH HEART PROBLEMS OR THOSE ON LOW- SODIUM" DIETS <br /> WHO WORK IN HOT ENVIRONMENTS SHOULD CONSULT A PHYSICIAN ABOUT <br /> POTENTIAL HEALTH PROBLEMS. <br /> Heat damps <br /> ' Heat cramps are muscular spasms that occur when the body loses too much salt during profuse <br /> sweating, when not enough salt is taken into the body, when calcium levels are low, and when <br /> too much water is consumed. Occasionally, heat cramps also can be caused by overexerting <br /> muscles, inadequate stretching or warm-up, and lactic acid buildup in poorly conditioned <br /> muscles. Heat cramps can be mild or extremely painful. When the body becomes low on salt <br /> and water, the patient interprets it as thirst. To quench the thirst, he/she consumes large <br /> ' quantities of water without replacing the salt. Heat cramps usually occur in the arms, legs, or <br /> abdomen (the major complaint may be severe abdominal pain) and are often a signal of <br /> approaching heat exhaustion. <br /> ' Hot weather is not necessarily a prerequisite to heat cramps. A person who exercises <br /> strenuously in cold weather and perspires may develop heat cramps if he/she drinks water but <br /> does not replace salt. Heat cramps result when blood calcium levels are too high in proportion <br /> ' to those of blood sodium. To function properly, the muscles need a strict balance of water, <br /> calcium, and sodium; whenever that balance is disrupted, regardless of temperature, muscular <br /> contraction malfunctions, and heat cramps may result. Cramping occurs when the muscle <br /> contracts without relaxing again; the muscle remains firm in a knotted configuration, leaving a <br /> cavity at its origin. <br /> ' Some signs and symptoms of heat cramps are as follows: <br /> • Severe muscular cramps and pain, especially of the legs, calves, and abdomen <br /> • Faintness and dizziness <br /> • A stiff, board like abdomen <br /> • Possible nausea and vomiting <br /> ' Normal mental status and consciousness <br /> Emergency care of heat cramps is as follows: <br /> • If the patient is in a hot environment, remove him from the heat immediately. <br /> • To relieve pain, try gently stretching the involved muscle groups. Manipulate or push <br /> the knotted muscle mass back to its normal position. <br /> ' 902 Industrial Way•Lodi,CA 95240-209.367.3701 •Fax 209.333.8303 02014 Neil O.Anderson&Associates,Inc. <br />