| ermia is a rapid onset state that happens when | | | | which can cause a state of dehydration. The skin |
| the body cannot rid itself of heat speedily enough. | | | | color will be will be pale. The temperature will be |
| It occurs when the atmosphere outside the body | | | | normal to elevated. Note that at this stage people |
| is not conducive to the body shedding heat rapidly | | | | still sweat. The heat compensation mechanisms of |
| enough. This is known as the thermal gradient. | | | | the body are running at 100% at this point. A |
| If the body gets hot enough, its internal apparatus | | | | person may also be dizzy or weak. |
| to manage temperature malfunctions. The internal | | | | Stage 3 is called heat stroke. DANGER. This stage |
| thermostat of your body gets set to the | | | | has a death rate of 20-80%! The heat |
| uppermost setting. Your body will continue to heat | | | | compensation mechanisms of the body have |
| up to the point that you may perhaps die. | | | | grow to be overwhelemed and are closing down. |
| Body temperatures above 40 degrees celcius | | | | The body becomes overheated. The body loses |
| (104 degrees fahrenheit) are life-threatening. This | | | | its power to control temperature. If this is not |
| compares to typical human body temperature of | | | | controlled quickly, brain damage may result. |
| 36-37 degrees celcius (97-98 degrees fahrenheit). | | | | A person does not have to be in a really hot |
| The ordinary skin temperature away from the | | | | environment for hyperthermia to occur. Certain |
| core is about (90 degrees fahrenheit) At 41 | | | | medicines interfere with the ability of the body to |
| degrees celcius (106 degrees fahrenheit), brain | | | | regulate temperature. Other medicines interfere |
| death begins, and at 45 celcius (113 degrees | | | | with the capability of the body to perspire. The |
| fahrenheit) death is nearly certain. Internal | | | | young and mature are at more risk. Some |
| temperatures above 50 degrees celcius (122 | | | | conditions will also change the ability of the body |
| degrees fahrenheit) will cause rigidity in the | | | | to shed heat. |
| muscles and certain, immediate death. | | | | Some things the lay person can do to help |
| Hyperthermia has 3 distinctive stages: | | | | somebody with heat exhaustion are: |
| Stage 1 is called heat cramps. This stage is | | | | - Call for emergency medical help |
| characterized by muscle spasms or cramps. They | | | | - Move the person (if they are able to walk) to a |
| usually start in the large muscles. Heat cramps are | | | | cooler environment such as shade |
| caused by imbalance in the electrolytes of the | | | | - Fan the person |
| body. | | | | - Avoid the use of frosty water. Always tepid |
| Stage 2 is called heat exhaustion. This stage is | | | | water. |
| characterized by a mild state of shock. They | | | | - Apply cool damp towels to the brow |
| body has enlarged the size of the blood vessels in | | | | Hyperthermia can be prevented. Watch the heat |
| an attempt to get rid of its excess heat. The | | | | and humidity. Dress properly for the environment. |
| body is also perspiring copiously at this stage, | | | | Pay attention to your body. Swig plenty of fluids. |