1. 11.7.2012 1
Contact:
Scott Morton Melissa Kamara-Liggins
616.486.5944 616.391.7920
scott.morton@spectrumhealth.org melissa.kamaraliggins@spectrumhealth.org
Tim Hawkins
616.486.6091
Timothy.Hawkins@spectrumhealth.org
How to Survive Heat-Related Injuries
Spokesperson
Dr. James Schweigert, Medical Director at Spectrum Health’s Emergency Medicine
July is the hottest month of the year in Michigan, and while 85 degrees may not sound hot, heat-
related injuries occur all too often. Heat kills an average of 675 people in the United States every year,
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A few years ago a construction worker in his
mid-20’s died of complications from heat exhaustion in Grand Rapids, but people working outside in direct
sunlight aren’t the only ones susceptible to heat-related injuries. Children, the elderly and anyone
exposed to heat and humidity can become victims.
“I can’t say that it’s common here,” says Dr. James Schweigert, Medical Director at Spectrum
Health’s Emergency Medicine, “but yes we see it and it can be so devastating.” While this July has been
unseasonably mild, Schweigert says a spike in temperatures could spell disaster to those who aren’t used
to the heat. Certain heat-injuries such as heat cramps, while not life threatening can be a nuisance he
says. The more serious heat-related injury is heat exhaustion which occurs when people sweat too much.
It can lead to complications and potentially death. Heat stroke, sometimes called sunstroke, is the most
serious heat-related injury.
“”Some people can transition from heat exhaustion to heat stroke, but some, for example the
elderly in their home can go straight to heat stroke,” Dr. Schweigert says.
So what do you do when you see someone suffering from heat? According to the American Red
Cross, there are several tips to follow if you or someone you know is in distress.
Condition
Least Severe / Heat Cramps
What it is: What to do:
System Communications &
Marketing
 First signals that thebody is
having trouble with the heat.
 Heat cramps arepainfulmuscle
spasms that result from
ov erheating.
 Hav e theperson rest in a cool place.
 Giv e them cool water or a commercial
sports drink.

2. 11.7.2012 2
More Severe / Heat Exhaustion Life Threatening / Heat Stroke
What it looks like:
What
What you should do:
 Cool, moist, paleor flushed
skin; heavy sweating;
headache; nausea; dizziness;
weakness; and exhaustion
 Hot, red skin which may be dry or
moist changes in consciousness;
v omiting; and high
temperature
 Ty pically involves the loss of
bodily fluids through heavy
sweating during strenuous
exercise or physicallabor in
high heat and
humidity
 Condition in which person’s
temperature control system
stops working and the body is
unable tocool itself
 If y ou think you have heat
exhaustion,get out of the heat
quickly.
 Rest in a cool, shady place
and drink smallamounts of
cool water or other
replenishing fluids.
 Loosen or remove clothing
and apply wet cloths.
 If person is confused (doesn’t
know where they are, the
date and/or refuses toleave
their environment) call9-1-1
or the local emergency
number immediately.
 Move the person to a
coolerplace.
 Hav e someone call9-1-1 or the
local emergency number if your
condition does not improve,you
are unable todrinkwater or you
start vomiting.
 If heat exhaustion is not treated it
can progress toa much worse
condition;heat stroke.
 Quickly cool the person’s body by
giv ing careas you would for heat
exhaustion.
 If needed, continuerapid cooling
by applying ice or cold packs
wrapped in a cloth tothewrists,
ankles,groin,neckand armpits.
Usually,rest and fluids are allthe
person willneed torecover.
 Lightly stretch the muscle and
gently massagethe area.
 Do not giv ethe person salt tablets
or salt water.They can make the
situation worse.
 They usually occur in the legs and
abdomen.

3. 11.7.2012 3
Dr. Schweigert says that people who aren’t sweating, who are confused, refuse to leave their
environment and who are acting strangely are likely experiencing heat stroke. “If you’re having a
conversation with somebody and they’re not responding in a normal manner then that could be a sign that
they’re heading toward a heat stroke.” If not treated victims can pass out, have seizures or worse. “You
definitely want to get them out of the hot environment and then you can do some of the cooling things with
the ice packs or cool towels. “