Live Smart: Health and Safety Activities for Youth Clubs

Bulletin 907

Detecting Heat Hazards

YOU WILL TEACH CLUB MEMBERS

To recognize and treat heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

WHAT DO YOU NEED:

A piece of light cloth and dark cloth that are about the same weight, two thermometers, a glass of water, salt, a spoon, a damp cloth

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Tell club members: Imagine this: It is summertime and you are outside playing with some neighbor friends. After about two hours of racing on your bicycles, your neighbor starts to complain that he is tired and dizzy. You notice that he is really pale. Do you think he is just making excuses, or could there really be something wrong with your friend?
Answer: Your friend could be experiencing heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or other physical difficulties.

Ask club members: What might be some signs that you or a friend is experiencing heat exhaustion?
Answer: People with heat exhaustion typically have normal body temperature, but their skin may be pale and sweaty. They might feel weak, dizzy, and have an upset stomach. They will be very thirsty, short of breath, and might have muscle cramps.

Ask club members: How is heat stroke different than heat exhaustion?
Answer: Heat stroke is worse than heat exhaustion. The signs of heat exhaustion will be seen first. Then, the skin becomes dry, hot, and red. Body temperature increases and the person will stop sweating. Extreme dizziness and confusion results.

WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW?

Tell club members: Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are very serious conditions. The good news is that they can be easily prevented. The best ways are to wear light clothing, drink plenty of water, and take time to rest.

Ask club members: Do you think this means to wear clothing that is not heavy, light in color, or both?
Answer: Both. Clothes that are made out of cotton and other light materials will allow body heat to escape. This will make you feel cooler. Light colors will also make you feel cooler because they reflect heat. Dark colors will absorb heat. Have you ever noticed how your feet get hot when you stand on blacktop? If you move to light-colored cement, they feel much cooler.

Try this experiment: Place one of the thermometers under each of the pieces of cloth. Place them beside each other on a table in the sunlight. Wait about 10 minutes. Check the temperatures to see which one is higher.

Ask club members: Should you wait until you are really thirsty before getting a drink of water?
Answer: No. When you are outside playing, your body is losing water in the form of sweat. If you wait until you are thirsty, your body has already lost a lot of water. Make sure to stop and drink water often don't wait until you are thirsty!

Tell club members: Immediate treatment of heat exhaustion and heat stroke are very important.

To treat heat exhaustion:

1. Have the person lie down in a cool spot.
2. Wipe the face, arms, legs with a cool camp cloth
3. Give him or her water to sip after they have rested a bit you could also offer a sports drink to replace the electrolytes. Do not offer soda or ice tea that contains caffeine; this only adds to their dehydration.
4. The person should recover with rest. If not, call a doctor.

To treat heat stroke:

1. Contact a doctor immediately!
2. Have the person lie down in a cool, shady spot indoors if possible.
3. Remove outer clothing such as jackets and sweaters.
4. Wipe the face, arms, and legs with a damp cloth.
5. Give the person water to sip if he or she is alert.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Identify various sports or outdoor activities (like gardening) that may place a person at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Discuss how a person can prevent heat risks for each activity.

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