Symptoms of heat related emergencies:

Heat Cramps
Symptoms: Single or multiple muscle cramps. Can be leg cramps, abdominal cramps, etc.
Treatment: Hydrate with cool liquids.

Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms: Extremely sweaty, cold or clammy skin, mildly elevated temperature, pale color, dizziness, weak or rapid pulse, shallow breathing, nausea, headache, unconsciousness.
Treatment: Seek medical attention, cool down, hydrate with cool liquids.

Heat Stroke
Symptoms: Hot body, core temperature 104 degrees F, red or flushed skin color, rapid or strong pulse, difficulty breathing, reduced mental awareness.
Treatment: THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING CONDITION! CALL 911, get the patient cool as quick as possible. *Never give anything by mouth to a person with a reduced level of consciousness!

Sometimes people can exhibit Heat Syncope (brief loss of consciousness, nausea, headache, weakness.

Another Safety reminder: HOT VEHICLES and DEATHS OF SMALL CHILDREN
In 2005 there were at least forty-two child fatalities in the United States due to hyperthermia after they were left in hot vehicles. Some of these occurred on days with relatively mild (i.e., ~ 70 degrees F) temperatures. Since 1998 there have been at least a total of 300 of these needless tragedies.

STATISTICS

• Total number of U.S. hyperthermia deaths of children left in cars, 2006: 13
• Total number of U.S. hyperthermia deaths of children left in cars, 1998-2006: 303
• Average number of U.S. child hyperthermia fatalities since 1998: 36

Let’s not have any more “statistics” to add. Please remember that a car can heat up to dangerous temperatures in a very quick time. Remember to lock your car so that your youngster does not go inside to play and accidentally become locked in while playing.

And last, WATER SAFETY!

This warm weather brings us to the many rivers, creeks, beaches and swimming pools that abound in our area.

Always watch out for swimmers, particularly children. If you live close to a swimming area or have a pool, EVEN A SMALL KIDDIE POOL, we must be extra vigilante to watch our children. These are just too tempting for small children.

*If you have not had a CPR class lately, take the time to learn how to do CPR. This year saw some changes in CPR technique and ratios. Your local fire department can give you some names of instructors. Also, the American Heart Association, the Red Cross, and your local colleges will have info on where classes are being held.

We at Whatcom County Fire District #14 wish everyone a safe and memorable summer. Take care, and enjoy!

— Firefighter Daniel