Don’t forget, we don’t close for excessive heat! That includes our kids programs! Drink lots of water and drink Gatorade or Pedialyte to replenish your electrolytes!
Remember the signs of heat illness!
TEND the 2 F’s, 2 C’s, and 2 H’s of heat exhaustion:
Tiredness
EXHAUSTION
Nausea/Vomiting
Dizziness
Fast, weak pulse & Fainting
Clammy/cold/pale skin & Cramps
Heavy sweating & Headache
Once you have identified symptoms of heat exhaustion, do the Heat Exhaustion Slide:
Slide to a cool place!
Slide to a cool place!
Loosen those clothes now y’all!
Just sip this time!
Lukewarm water lets sip
Roomtemp water lets sip
FREEZE!
Don’t forget to wet the skin!
- move to a cool place
- loosen clothes
- sip water (room temperature if available)
- put cool, wet cloths on the body or take a cool bath or shower (putting water on the skin can also help. Evaporation is an endothermic reaction, which is why sweating cools the body)
Get medical help if vomiting continues, symptoms worsen, or symptoms last longer than one an hour.
Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke can still happen without having had heat exhaustion beforehand.
Look for worsening or presence of the previous symptoms, loss of consciousness, seizure, and for DRENCH
Dry or damp red skin
Rapid heart rate
EMERGENCY
No sweating/dry skin
Confusion or delirium
High body temperature
Heat stroke is an EMERGENCY. Call emergency services immediately and cool the body through whatever means possible.
- Apply cold packs to the underarms, back of knees, neck, and groin
- Wet the skin with wet towels, wet sheets, a cold shower, a cold bath, even a garden hose.
- Fan air to accelerate evaporation of moisture, which cools the body.
- If conscious and able to drink, replenish electrolytes with a sports drink. If not available, then replenish hydration with water.