Heat Safety: More than just a Summertime Concern

By Melissa Parmer, RN, MBA, CCM

While heat safety is an important topic regardless of the time of year, the summer months provide opportunities for many to enjoy recreation outdoors.

Extreme heat and heat stress can be dangerous for anyone. Especially babies, children, people with disabilities and older adults. Whether at home or work, practicing heat safety wherever you roam can prevent serious health issues and even fatalities. In addition to using air-conditioning and fans indoors, protect yourself from heat-related illness by drinking lots of water, wearing loose clothing in lighter colors, and doing strenuous activity outside when it’s cooler (near dusk and dawn).

The Facts

Both indoor and outdoor environments can expose people to excessive heat, and each may pose its own unique set of risks. Signs of heat exhaustion include muscle cramping, fatigue and fainting. Heat stroke is more severe and can lead to confusion, unconsciousness, damage to the brain and organ failure. For young people, strenuous outdoor activity is a major contributor to temperature-related illness.

For adults, workplaces can contribute to the risk. A 2015 survey of 28 participating states showed environmental heat led to 37 work-related deaths and 2,830 work-related injuries and illnesses. Texas and California had the highest number of non-fatal injuries.

Read more about sun safety to prevent skin cancer. Nurses interested in participating in the Healthy Nurse Health Nation campaign can take on the summer challenges of hydration, safety and physical fitness. 

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