Under normal conditions, the body's cooling system works well to prevent overheating. However, if someone becomes very ill or is exposed to more heat than their body can handle, their cooling system may eventually reach its limit. Our body has a natural mechanism to reduce body heat... sweating. The average, healthy adult can sweat about 1-2 quarts per hour, but only for a few hours. After that, the system will start to fail. When the system fails to compensate for an increase in temperature, several serious conditions can occur.

The most common heat-related emergency is heat cramps. This happens when the body's heat management system is actually working effectively, however, muscle cramping and fluid depletion occur because of excessive sweating and electrolyte loss. Sweat is made up of water and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. If excessive sweating continues, the situation will likely progress to heat exhaustion and the patient will collapse.

A patient with heat cramps may feel cool and clammy to the touch and may appear pale or gray. They may also exhibit signs of dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue and cramping of the abdomen, arms or legs. A sympathetic response will also be evident as indicated by an increased pulse rate.

To correctly manage this patient, your first priority is to have them stop whatever they are doing and move to a cooler environment. If the patient is responsive and isn't vomiting, a cool glass of water and rest may help them feel better. An alternative to water is one of the numerous sports drinks. In addition to giving the patient much needed fluids, these drinks replace valuable electrolytes. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can be life-threatening. To be on the safe side, activate the EMS system for any heat concerns.

When the body's cooling mechanism completely fails, heatstroke is the outcome. Heatstroke represents a total failure of the body's cooling system and is a true life-threatening emergency. The mortality rate for heatstroke is almost 50 percent. This condition is seen most commonly in men over the age of 40, especially when alcohol is involved. Heatstroke may occur in anyone who has had too much sun exposure or prolonged confinement in a hot environment. During heatstroke, the body temperature rises rapidly, often exceeding 105 degrees. If not corrected, the cells of the body, particularly the brain cells, literally cook and irreversible damage occurs.

More and more cases of heatstroke are being reported during sports workouts. High school, college and professional teams are becoming increasingly aware of the need to hydrate their players during practices. Increasing levels of competition have created workouts which are very intense and many participants begin feeling dizzy and light-headed due to heatstroke. Remember, during any physical activity the need to hydrate with water or sports drinks is extremely important.

Signs and symptoms of heatstroke include dizziness, nausea, confusion and unconsciousness. The patient with heatstroke may present two different ways. If they have not been exercising or working, their skin will be hot, red and dry. If they have been working hard or exercising, they may be covered with sweat, red and hot. Initially, their pulse will be fast, but will then slow down. The same is true is true of the patient's breathing; it will first be and shallow but will then begin to slow.

To properly manage a patient suffering from heatstroke, quick and aggressive measures are necessary. Activate EMS immediately, remove the patient from the hot environment and lie them down. You need to cool them rapidly by whatever means are available. Common ways include a cold shower or wetting the patient down with a hose. If ice packs are readily available, place them on either side of the neck, under the armpits and on either side of the groin. If the patient remains unresponsive once they have cooled down, place them in the recovery position. Any delay in calling EMS can contribute to loss of life from heatstroke.