Heat exhaustion occurs when people are exposed to high temperatures for extended periods of time without hydration. This can happen in a number of environments, but is most commonly seen when children are left in vehicles by their parents or caregivers. The inside temperatures of a vehicle can easily reach 120F on a hot day in just minutes.
Facts About Heat Exhaustion
1. Heat injuries occur when the body reaches temperatures of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, which may cause cellular damage after 30 minutes or so of elevated temperatures.
2. Heat stroke from exercise is one of the 3 leading causes of sudden death in sports activities.
3. Deaths from heat-related issues between 2005 and 2009 rose to higher rates than any others observed during any other 5-year periods in the past 35 years.
4. Since 2010, there have been at least 20 deaths related to heat.
5. 100%. That’s the survival rate for heat exhaustion when rapid, proper treatment is given to someone suffering from the issue.
6. 31% of the deaths from heat exhaustion symptoms were attributed to exposure to excessive natural heat.
7. In 2006, which is the second hottest year that has ever been recorded, 3,100 US workers had a heat-related illness that caused them to miss work.
8. 44. That’s the number of heat-related occupational deaths that were reported in the US in 2006.
9. According to the National Weather Service 10 year average for heat fatalities was 170 between 1998 and 2007.
10. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment.
11. The death rate in the US for heat-related causes since 1979: 0.5 per 1 million.
12. On average, 38 kids die every year in vehicles because they were forgotten about and left in the heat. Since 1998, that’s an average of 1 child dying every 9 days.
13. More than 70% of heat stroke deaths occur in children younger than age 2. 3 out of 10 of those incidents occur when a child enters a hot location and cannot escape on their own without the caregiver’s knowledge.
14. Since 1998, 619 children have died in vehicles from heat-related issues in the USA.
15. A car can reach 110 degrees when temperatures are only in the 60s. Heat exhaustion can take place when the outside temperature is as low as 57 degrees.
16. There were 5 player deaths in America 1931-1959 from heat. There were 103 player deaths in America 1960-2000.
17. Heat exhaustion rates are the highest for athletes who play high school football.
Workplace exposure to heat stress can also create this issue. Different from heat stroke, which is the most serious form of heat-related illnesses, the heavy sweating and loss of water that occurs during hard work may cause weakness, dizziness, nausea, and excessive thirst. If there isn’t any improvement in symptoms within 60 minutes, then medical attention is often necessary.
The statistics on heat exhaustion show that it may be happening more often than many may think. It may be one of the most under-reported conditions that people experience every day.
It Is Easy To Treat Heat Exhaustion
When body temperatures are rising, the most effective way to treat heat exhaustion is to provide a cooler environment and hydration. Instant cooling can cause a shock to the system, so anyone who is over-heated should not be dunked into cold, icy water. Slow cooling is usually the most effective method. If someone suffers heat exhaustion while at work, they should generally not be required to go back to their duties for the rest of the day.
Knowing what the weather will be outside is an essential part of combating heat exhaustion. People often try to do far too many tasks on the first hot days of the year and because they are not accustomed to the heat, the foundations of heat exhaustion will present themselves. On the first few hot days of the season, build up resistance to the heat by doing a portion of the tasks and then taking a break. Slowly do more each hot day and the body will adapt to the heat.
Heat exhaustion isn’t deadly when it is properly treated, but it can lead to heat stroke very quickly. Recognize the signs and symptoms of this health condition today so that when it does occur, rapid, proper treatment can be applied.