{"id":1990,"date":"2018-06-18T20:30:25","date_gmt":"2018-06-18T20:30:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.websitepreview.dev\/?p=1990"},"modified":"2021-04-08T12:49:06","modified_gmt":"2021-04-08T17:49:06","slug":"avoiding-firefighter-heat-exhaustion-in-the-summer-months","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jonsmidamerica.com\/avoiding-firefighter-heat-exhaustion-in-the-summer-months\/","title":{"rendered":"Avoiding Firefighter Heat Exhaustion in the Summer Months"},"content":{"rendered":"

The start of summer is just around the corner, and it\u2019s already starting to heat up outside. We all love a nice hot day when we\u2019re out at the lake or spending a day on the patio, but when it comes to firefighters, a day of hot weather is far from ideal. In fact, when the temperatures rise, the risk of death is higher than ever. <\/span><\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t hit far from home either. Just recently, two firefighters in <\/span>St. Louis County<\/span><\/a> were hospitalized for heat exhaustion. No matter how experienced you are in the field, you\u2019re still at risk for the dangers of heat illnesses. <\/span><\/p>\n

Find out more about how you can spot the signs of heat-related illness, and what you can do to prevent it in the field. <\/span><\/p>\n

Types of heat-related illnesses <\/span><\/h2>\n

There are several stages of experiencing <\/span>heat-related illnesses<\/span><\/a>. They often appear in the order mentioned below, but extreme heat can cause you to move through these stages rapidly. <\/span><\/p>\n

Heat rash <\/span><\/h3>\n

A heat rash usually manifests near skin folds or where your clothes touch your body, and they can cause blisters that can feel prickly or itchy. It typically goes away on its own. This is the most mild form of heat-related illness. <\/span><\/p>\n

Heat cramps <\/span><\/h3>\n

Heat cramps cause muscle pain or spasms throughout the body due to being dehydrated. While heat cramps are not inherently dangerous, they are a warning sign of worse things to come. Caution should be taken. <\/span><\/p>\n

Heat exhaustion <\/span><\/h3>\n

Heat exhaustion is a serious illness that needs to be treated immediately. Symptoms include headache, dizziness and nausea. If not treated quickly, it can proceed into life-threatening heat stroke. <\/span><\/p>\n

Heat stroke <\/span><\/h3>\n

Heat stroke can quickly become fatal. If a person has been in extreme heat and is experiencing confusion, seizures, high body temperature or has quit sweating, they need to be taken to the emergency room. If you even remotely suspect heat stroke, you need to take action. <\/span><\/p>\n

Be aware that firefighters may have atypical symptoms of heat-related illnesses due to the nature of their work. For example, fire gear will typically cause all moisture to be kept inside, meaning that a firefighter with heat stroke may not experience dry skin at all. It\u2019s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to heat, so always exercise caution. <\/span><\/p>\n

What can I do to prevent it? <\/span><\/h2>\n

There are steps you can take to help prevent your risk of developing a heat-related illness. Before you go out for that next call, read over these tips: <\/span><\/p>\n