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SEMINOLE COUNTY
GOVERNMENT
Media Contact
County Manager's Office
1101 East First Street
Sanford, FL 32771
Phone: (407) 665-7212
Fax: (407) 665-7958
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NEWS RELEASE
Take Heat Seriously
Posted on: 6/16/2009
Sanford, Fla., June 16, 2009-As the heat turns up, so can the amount of heat- related medical calls in the area. All residents and guests of Central Florida should know what to do in case heat affects a family member, co-worker or friend.
First, it is important to know the signs. Muscle cramps, heavy perspiration, lightheadedness, weakness and nausea can mean that heat exhaustion and possible stroke is likely. Children and older adults are more susceptible to heat. They tend to go from feeling good to sudden heat exhaustion. Keeping these types of people out of the sun and heat is critical.
A victim of a heat-related illness needs help immediately. Even if this means that the victim must be subjected to extreme changes in temperature, the most important thing to remember is to cool the patient. Knowing where to get first aid is vital. With proper care and speed of medical assistance, persons can get help before the illness becomes heat exhaustion or stroke.
Remember the following steps to help cool a victim of heat:
1.) Move the victim to a cool, shaded location.
2.) Give the victim lots of fluids. (Avoid sodas and alcohol, these
types of fluids could worsen the condition of the patient)
3.) Wet victim by use of washcloths.
4.) If these steps do not assist in cooling the patient, contact
emergency services.
Patients who cool off after a short amount of time should still avoid the heat for approximately three hours. Just because a person feels better, does not mean they are ready to battle the sun and heat again.
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