In the summer of 2023, the United States experienced a record-high number of deaths attributed to excessive heat, with Florida ranking fourth in the nation for heat-related fatalities. With so many heat-related fatalities, it is essential that individuals know how to prevent heat stroke.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2,300 individuals across the country lost their lives due to extreme temperatures, marking the highest number of heat-related deaths in 45 years.
Heat-related illnesses can affect anyone, but specific populations, such as the elderly, outdoor workers, and those without access to air conditioning, are particularly vulnerable. As temperatures continue to rise, preventing heat-related illnesses is important to ensuring individuals’ health and safety and reducing potential legal liability.
What Are Heat-Related Illnesses?
Heat-related illnesses can have varying symptoms. This list is not exhaustive; however, it is a helpful place for individuals to begin when creating a plan for preventing heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.
Know the warning symptoms and what to do if you or a loved one shows signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat related deaths and illnesses are preventable. Learn how: https://t.co/TOJJDsnzFS pic.twitter.com/b315Pmnu5d
— CDC (@CDCgov) June 15, 2024
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are muscle spasms that result from the loss of large amounts of salt and water through sweat. These cramps usually affect muscles used during exercise and can be an early sign of a heat-related illness. Rest and rehydration are necessary to relieve symptoms.
Signs of heat cramps include:
- Painful muscle spasms
- Unusual muscle pain
- Heavy sweating during exercise
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that occurs after prolonged exposure to high temperatures while not hydrating. When the body loses too much water and salt through excessive sweating, it can no longer regulate its temperature. Individuals experiencing heat exhaustion symptoms should hydrate immediately and attempt to cool themselves.
Signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Cold, pale, and clammy skin
- Fast and weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness
- Headache
If left untreated, heat exhaustion may lead to heat stroke, which is the most serious heat-related illness.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a very serious condition caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures and dehydration. According to the CDC, when heat stroke occurs, the body’s temperature can rise to 106°F or higher within as little as 10 to 15 minutes. This can lead to catastrophic consequences if not treated quickly enough.
Signs of heat stroke include:
- Nausea
- Very high body temperature
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Red, hot dry skin or profuse sweating
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion, disorientation
- Possible seizures or unconsciousness (coma)
If a person shows symptoms of heat stroke, it is most important to call 911 immediately, but also begin first aid before medical professionals arrive. If possible:
- Move the individual to a cooler location, indoors or in the shade
- Fan the individual while wetting the skin
- Apply ice packs to the neck and armpits
- If possible and safe, place the individual in a cool shower or bath
How To Prevent Heat Stroke
The chance of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses increases with the heat index reaching 90 degrees and higher, which happens frequently in South Florida. Knowing how to prevent heatstroke can keep individuals safe through the summer. Remember to wear loose clothing and always stay hydrated this summer. Drinking seven to eight glasses of water a day is recommended, and individuals who are active outdoors may need to double their intake if they can do so safely.
Common Claims Associated with Heat-Related Illness
Individuals caring for others, especially vulnerable persons, should take special care as temperatures continue to rise. These susceptible populations include the elderly, outdoor workers, and athletes among others.
In one tragic case from August 2022, the parents of a Miami high school football player sued the athlete’s school district after he died from heat exhaustion, a preventable condition. Keeping student-athletes safe in extreme heat and other vulnerable individuals is important, particularly in hot summer months and during dangerous heat waves.
Some common reasons for heat-related injury or death include:
- Failure to implement appropriate safety measures at public events
- Failure to implement heat safety regulations
- Overexposure to workplace heat stress
- Nursing home neglect
When to Seek Help From An Attorney
If someone you know has suffered a serious heat stroke, serious heat-related injury, or death due to the negligence of an individual or organization, speak with a personal injury attorney. In some incidents of negligence, you may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages to help compensate for your losses. Book your free consultation with one of our attorneys by contacting our office at (305) 662-6178.
Sources
- https://www.tampabay.com/news/nation-world/2024/06/02/us-set-heat-death-record-2023-florida-had-4th-most/
- https://health.wusf.usf.edu/health-news-florida/2023-08-15/how-deadly-is-florida-heat-experts-say-official-numbers-dont-show-the-whole-picture
- https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/healthy-living/blog/heat-related-illnesses-explained-symptoms-and-prevention-2022
- https://uk.news.yahoo.com/horrors-heat-dome-heat-does-102357612.html
- https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/national/article284385060.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/about/index.html
- https://x.com/CDCgov/status/1802040902312980518
