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process, and watcl* the signs of shock. If the patient bitnes unconscious, or <br /> fails to recover rapidly, alert the local EMS service. <br />• B &eat= ("Sunstroke') <br /> Heatstroke is a much more serious condition than heat exhaustion. The temperature <br /> of the body can rise to such a point that the victim's brain cells may be damaged. <br /> The EMS system must be notified immediately upon determination that heatstroke has <br /> or is occurring. Symptoms of heatstroke are dry, hot skin, deep breaths followed by <br /> shallow breathing, dilated (large) pupils, loss of consciousness, and convulsions or <br /> twitching of the muscles. Care for the patient includes cooling the body as quickly as <br /> possible, in any manner possible. Removing the clothing and placing wetted towels <br /> or sheets over the patient will help cool the body down. If available, ice packs can be <br /> placed in strategic locations on the body, such as under the armpits, on the ankles, or <br /> resting on the neck, in order to speed the cooling. Remember that the EMS system <br /> must be alerted immediately upon the determination that heatstroke is occurring or has <br /> occurring. <br /> Replacement of the electrolytes lost during sweating is very important when working <br /> in hot environments. Copious amounts of liquids must be consumed to replace these <br /> and balance out the blood. Quickick, Squuicher, or Gatorade are the three brands of <br /> beverages that will allow the electrolyte balance to be restored. Contractors should <br /> have drinks of this type available for their personnel. Employees performing work in <br /> hot environments should be encouraged to drunk liquids as often as possible, even <br /> when they are not thirsty. Make sure that the proper drinks are specified. <br />• The choice of on-the-lob clothing is also very important. Cotton is a very good <br /> choice for hot summer weather. Due to the regulatory requirements, however, <br /> workers in asbestos related occupations do not have a choice for clothing. When <br /> working in Personal Protective Equipment such as Tyvek suits, it is essential to wear <br /> as few heat retaining articles of clothing as possible. <br /> Careful monitoring of the employees engaged in demanding work during hot, humid <br /> days is a must to guard against the dangers of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, but as <br /> an employee of CEMI, you need to protect yourself first from the dangers of <br /> overheating in the field_ Know the warning signs and first aid necessary to prevent <br /> heatstroke and heat exhaustion. <br /> * End of Section <br /> B-11 <br />