| T.E.S. HOT WEATHER HEALTH TIPS |
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Heat Exhaustion -- occurs when your body cannot sweat enough to cool you off. It generall happens when you are working or exercising in hot weather. Symptions include:
Fatigue, dizziness or nausea
Cool, pale and clammy skin
Rapid and weak pulse
Fast and shallow beathing
Muscle cramps
Intense thirst
Heat exhaustion can sometimes lead to heat stroke. It occurs when the body's heat regulating mechanisms breakdown (your body stops sweating) but the body temperature continues to rise, often to 105 degrees or higher. Heat stroke requires emergency treatment! Symptoms include:
Can be preceded by heat exhaustion
Hot, dry and flushed skin
No sweating
High body temperatures
Rapid heartbeat
Confusion, loss of consciousness
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| FIRST AID AT THE BARN |
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If someone at the barn is very hot and NOT sweating: Cool the person rapidly by soaking him or her with a water hose. Take him/her to the nearest hospital immediately. THIS IS A LIFE-THREATENING MEDICAL EMERGENCY!
If someone is faint but sweating: Get him or her out of the sun to a cool spot (T.E.S. air conditioned back office) and give him/her cool liquids to drink a little at a time--Gatorade is ideal. Don't give salt pills. If they are dizzy or nauseated, have them lie down.. If you see symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 immediately or take them to the nearest hospital. |
| Prevention |
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Acclimate yourself slowly to hot weather
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
Drink water often
Rest and cool down your body periodically
Treat heat-related symptoms seriously |
| For more information, visit the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services website.
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