General Information for Bergen County Residents
About Heat and Hot Weather
Heat Fact Sheet
How Heat Affects the Body
Human bodies reduce heat by varying the circulation of the blood, by losing water through the skin and sweat glands, and by panting. The heart begins to pump more blood, blood vessels dilate to accommodate the increased flow, tiny capillaries circulate blood closer to the skin´s surface and excess heat escapes into the atmosphere. At the same time, water diffuses through the skin as perspiration. Sweating, by itself, does nothing to cool the body unless the water is removed by evaporation. High humidity retards evaporation.
Heat disorders generally have to do with a reduction in the body´s ability to shed heat by circulatory changes and sweating, or a chemical imbalance caused by too much sweating. When heat exceeds the level the body can remove or when the body cannot compensate for fluids and salt lost through perspiration, the temperature of the body´s inner core begins to rise and heat related illness may develop. Sunburn can significantly retard the skin´s ability to shed excess heat and the severity of heat disorders tends to increase with age. Elderly persons, small children, chronic invalids, those on certain medications, and persons with weight and alcohol problems are particularly susceptible to heat reactions.
Heat Disorders
Signs
What To Do
Sunburn
Redness and pain. Possible swelling, blisters, fever, headaches.
Sunburn ointments for mild cases. Dry sterile dressings if blisters break. Serious cases seen by physician.
Heat Cramps
Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen. Heavy sweating.
Firm pressure on cramping muscle. Gentle massage to relieve spasm. Sips of water.
Heat Syncope
Sudden loss of consciousness due to blood pooling in the extremities. Consciousness regained when lying down.
Rest, remove from environment or activity that caused the syncope.
Heat Exhaustion
Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse thready. Fainting and vomiting. Temperature may be normal.
Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move to air conditioning. Sips of water unless nauseated.
Heat Stroke
High body temperature; 106 degrees or higher. Hot dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness.
Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Summon emergency medical assistance or get victim to hospital immediately. Until help arrives, move to cooler environment. Remove clothing, fan. Reduce temperature with cold bath or sponging. Do not give fluids.
