In the Event of a Heat Related Illness or Injury
ALWAYS CALL 911 IN THE EVENT OF AN HEAT-RELATED EMERGENCY.
Before the season begins, consider taking a basic first-aid course, or updating your skills. Here are some basic first aid tips from our City of Fort Lauderdale Emergency Manager.
| CONDITION | SYMPTOMS | FIRST AID |
| Sunburn | Skin redness and pain, possible swelling, blisters, fever, headache |
Take a shower using soap to remove oils that make block pores, preventing the body from cooling naturally. Apply dry, sterile dressings to any blisters, and seek medical attention. |
| Heat Cramps | Painful spasms, usually in leg and abdominal muscles; heavy sweating |
Get person to a cooler location. Lightly stretch and gently massage affected muscles to relieve spasms. Give sips of up to a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with caffeine or alcohol. Discontinue liquids, if person is nauseated. |
| Heat Exhaustion | Heavy sweating but skin may be cool, pale, or flushed. Weak pulse is present. Normal body temperature is possible, but temperature will likely rise. Fainting or dizziness, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, and headaches are possible. |
Get person to lie down in a cool place. Fan or move person to air-conditioned place. Loosen or remove clothing. Apply cool, wet clothes. Give sips of water if person is conscious and done slowly. Give half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Discontinue water if victim is nauseated. Seek immediate medical attention if vomiting occurs |
| Heat Stroke (Severe Medical Emergency!) |
High body temperature (105+); hot, red, dry skin; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid shallow breathing. Person will probably not sweat unless person was sweating from recent strenuous activity. Possible unconsciousness. |
Call 9-1-1 immediately!!! (Delay can be fatal) Move to a cooler environment. Use fans and air conditioners to cool person. Remove clothing. Try a cool bath, sponging, or wet sheet to reduce body temperature. Watch for breathing problems. |