Heat stroke can kill: How to stay safe as temperatures rise

Heat kills, and the statistics confirm this. It was the direct or indirect cause of around 1,670 deaths in the United States during 2022, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heat stroke represents the deadliest risk during episodes of high temperatures, such as the heat wave currently affecting several states in the center and east of the country. The speed and virulence of the onset of symptoms can end the life of a healthy person in a very short time.

Heat stroke occurs when body temperature exceeds 104°F (40°C). From this moment on, different physiological processes in the body are altered. There is inflammation and an outbreak of enzymes that interfere with the regular functioning of vital organs. Doctors explain that this condition, once started, is difficult to reverse. The first symptoms are headache, confusion and lightheadedness, which escalates to loss of consciousness, seizures and heart failure. In these cases, emergency services must be called immediately.

General recommendations

The National Weather Service advises avoiding strenuous physical activities or rescheduling them for the cooler hours of the day. People especially vulnerable to heat, such as children, babies or the elderly (especially those who suffer from pre-existing illnesses, take certain medications, live alone or have limited mobility), the chronically ill and pregnant women, should stay in the coolest place available.

The agency also suggests wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing; minimizing direct exposure to the sun; eating light, fresh and easy-to-digest foods; and drinking plenty of water (not too cold) and non-alcoholic and decaffeinated liquids even if you are not thirsty. Likewise, it is important to stay in air-conditioned spaces or use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms. However, the flow of the fan should never be directed toward yourself when the room temperature is above 90°F (32°C). Dry air causes greater dehydration.

Outdoor workers are recommended to constantly hydrate, cool down in shaded areas during breaks and gradually increase workload. In this sense, each company should have a protocol based on the agency’s recommendations to avoid heat-related illnesses and deaths.

Medications that can affect health

Diuretics — which are often prescribed to treat kidney diseases and hypertension — can trigger dehydration and lead to a shortage of potassium and sodium, making it difficult for the body to regulate body temperature. Other medications that can also spark imbalances during heat episodes are treatments for allergies and depression, as some lead to increased sweating and prevent the body from cooling down. In all these cases, it is necessary to hydrate more than necessary and consult a doctor if the dose can be adjusted during the weather alert.

Heat safety in vehicles

Studies have shown that the temperature inside a car can rise to dangerous levels during an extreme heat wave. Data from the National Weather Service states that a dark car seat can quickly reach temperatures in the range of 180°F (82°C) to 200°F (93°C). These objects heat the adjacent air and emit long wave radiation, which then heats the air trapped inside the vehicle. It literally becomes an oven. The agency recommends avoiding staying inside a car for long periods of time in the summer.

Safety tips for parents and caregivers

According to the study The Effects of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment, children under four years of age experience higher hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses during heat waves. Their bodies heat up faster than adults, so it is necessary to keep them cool, limit outdoor play, and make sure fluids are not very cold or high in sugar.

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