As I talk with customers throughout the nation, without exception they say it’s hot where they are. The oppressive heat wave we are experiencing presents the peril of heat exhaustion. While heat exhaustion is not particularly dangerous in itself, it’s not something to be taken lightly. Without proper intervention, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which can damage the brain and other vital organs, and even cause death.
There are two types of heat exhaustion:
Water depletion. Signs include excessive thirst, weakness, headache, and loss of consciousness.
Salt depletion. Signs include nausea and vomiting, frequent muscle cramps, and dizziness.
If you, or anyone else, has symptoms of heat exhaustion, it’s essential to immediately get out of the heat and rest, preferably in an air-conditioned room. If you can’t get inside, try to find the nearest cool and shady place.
– Drink plenty of fluid (avoid caffeine and alcohol).
– Remove any tight or unnecessary clothing.
– Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
– Apply other cooling measures such as fans or ice towels.
If such measures fail to provide relief within 30 minutes, contact a doctor because untreated heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke. After you’ve recovered from heat exhaustion, you’ll probably be more sensitive to high temperatures during the following week. So it’s best to avoid hot weather and heavy exercise until your doctor tells you that it’s safe to resume your normal activities.
Gatorade® has launched a Beat the Heat campaign. Their goal is to educate athletes, parents, and coaches about the importance of proper hydration to reduce heat-related illnesses during physical activity. It is free for the download at http://www.gatorade.com/pdf/BTH_safety_kit_5_24_13.pdf
EXAIR recognizes the risk that heat presents to our shop employees. We have moved their starting work hours to an earlier time, providing bottled water, ice, and popsicles. The customer still comes first, so we have manned the shipping department on a rotation.
Please be safe. We value your good health.
Joe Panfalone
Application Engineer
Phone (513) 671-3322
Fax (513) 671-3363
Web: http://www.exair.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/exair_jp
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/exair