New Mexico heat safety is a concern during monsoon season, with hot temperatures causing heat stress, heat stroke, and other health issues. One issue many deal with are heat cramps, which are painful spasms in leg muscles and sometimes abdominal muscles, often accompanied by heavy sweating.
Treating Heat Cramps
To treat heat cramps, apply pressure on cramping muscles or use a gentle massage technique to relieve the spasm. Drink small sips of water, but stop if nausea occurs.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can happen to anyone working or enjoying time outside. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale, and clammy skin, fainting, and vomiting. To treat heat exhaustion, get the patient out of the sun, loosen clothing, and lay them down. Apply cool, wet cloths, and fan or move them to a room with air conditioning. Take sips of water, but stop if nausea occurs.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that develops when outside for long periods in extreme heat. Symptoms include a high body temperature, hot and dry skin, rapid and strong pulse, and loss of consciousness. To treat heat stroke, dial 911, move the patient to a cooler environment, and work to reduce body temperature with a cool bath or sponging. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners to help cool the patient, and do not give them fluids.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
