The blazing weather of summer brings special dangers to everyone who enjoys the outdoors, specifically the elderly, who run a risk of unattended death. However, high temperatures during heatwaves can even cause problems indoors when people fail to take the proper precautions. The elderly are especially at risk for hyperthermia in hot weather, because their bodies may not be able to adjust to the heat stress efficiently. Caregivers should take particular attention to provide proper hydration for their elders when a heat advisory warns of unusually high temperatures for the day, and they should be ready to provide fluids and cooler temperatures whenever heat-related symptoms threaten these individuals, to avoid the possibility of medical problems or worse, the risk of unattended death.
The Dangers of Hot Weather
Working, playing or simply moving around during periods of high temperatures can subject individuals to increased temperature stress. The human body can adjust to wide ranges in temperature, but it also has limits on the amount of heat stress it can tolerate. Individuals may develop heat cramps, exhaustion, rashes, dizziness or feelings of faintness because of their inability to adjust to high temperatures. When the heat index rises, the elderly become particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and exhaustion. Caregivers and the children of elder parents should take special care by checking on them occasionally and ensuring they are properly hydrated, with appropriate shade available to keep them cool. These heat safety measures can prevent medical emergencies and unattended death.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat stress symptoms can begin when the individuals is in a hot environment for a period of time without the relief of shade or indoor cooling. Individuals showing symptoms of this condition should be moved to a cooler environment immediately. Symptoms include:
- Skin that feels cool and moist, with goosebumps
- Excessive sweating
- Dizziness
- Feeling faint
- Weak, rapid pulse rate
- Low blood pressure on standing
- Nausea
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
Heat Stroke
This condition often follows heat exhaustion and other heat stress symptoms. It occurs when body temperature levels reach dangerous levels, and the body’s own cooling system can no longer lower the temperature. The condition can cause damage to the brain or death. Symptoms include:
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- No sweating
- Dry skin that feels hot to the touch or appears flushed
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle weakness or cramping
- Shallow breathing that may be rapid
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion or disorientation
- Motor problems, such as staggering
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
The Problem of Water Intoxication
Dealing with a reaction to extreme temperatures is not simply a matter of hydrating until the individual feels better. Rapid consumption of large amounts of liquid can cause water intoxication, a condition physicians call hyponatremia. It occurs when rapid consumption of fluid causes sodium levels in the body to fall and cells begin to swell. Anyone who experiences these symptoms of water intoxication should get medical attention immediately to restore normal water levels in the body. Symptoms include:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Loss of energy
- Muscle spasms or cramps
- Seizures and coma.
Hot weather brings the danger of hyperthermia which can particularly important for those involved in elderly care. Being alert to heat safety and the signs of heat-related illness can help to avoid medical emergencies for these vulnerable individuals. We remind you never to attempt to clean up an unattended death scene by yourself because of the potential presence of deadly bloodborne pathogens and biohazardous fluids. Advanced Bio Treatment is here to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We take emergency calls and usually can be on the scene within one hour of your call. For more information regarding blood and bodily fluid cleanup, contact Advanced Bio Treatment at 800-295-1684.
