Extremely hot conditions during the summer months are not something to take lightly. Just like your trucks, your body can overheat. Without knowing the symptoms to watch for ultimately can put you or your teammates at dangerous risk for heat-related illnesses.
Here are three heat-related illnesses to know, and symptoms you should watch for during the heat of the summer months ahead.
Heat stroke occurs when the body no longer sweats, and body temperature reaches dangerous levels.
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
- Dry, hot, reddish skin and lack of sweating
- High body temperature
- Strong, rapid pulse
- Chills
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to the loss of water and salt, typically through sweating.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Excessive sweating
- Weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness and/or confusion
- Clammy skin
- Muscle cramps
- Flushed complexion
Heat cramps are painful cramps in the body’s muscles due to low salt levels and are typically caused by excessive sweating.
Symptoms of heat cramps include:
- Muscle pain usually in the abdomen, arm or legs.
- Muscle spasms usually in the abdomen, arm or legs.
If you are experiencing these symptoms and or feel you are at risk for any of these illnesses, please contact your healthcare provider.
To prevent these heat-related illnesses, use these top 10 hot weather tips from our own safety expert, Jim Ledbetter, Safety Manager at Centerline.
