Avoid heat stroke on the Fourth of July in Fort Worth by checking for these symptoms
Heat safety will be important this week in Dallas-Fort Worth as triple-digit temperatures are expected every day.
Temperatures will hover around100 degrees this week with high humidity, according to the National Weather Service Fort Worth. The combination of temperature and humidity will bring heat index values between 100 and 110 degrees.
Two things North Texans need to be aware of with the hot weather are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Here’s what to know:
Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion occurs through excessive sweating and is the body’s response to excessive loss of water and salt, according to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Eventually, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, a deadlier version of the two, according to the NWS. Here’s what heat exhaustion symptoms look like :
- Heavy sweating
- Tiredness
- Weak pulse
- Dizziness
- Fainting and vomiting
If someone is experiencing these symptoms, here’s what to do:
- Move to a cooler area
- Loosen clothing
- Sip cool water
- Seek medical help if symptoms do not improve
Heat stroke
Heat stroke is the deadliest heat-related illness and occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature.
When heat stroke occurs, the body’s temperature can rise to 106 degrees or higher within 10 minutes, according to NIOSH. This can lead to permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency care.
Here’s what heat stroke symptoms look like, according to the NWS:
- Throbbing headache
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Nausea and dizziness
- Rapid and strong pulse
If someone is experiencing these symptoms, here’s what to do:
- Call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately
- Move to a cooler area that’s air-conditioned
- Use cool clothes to reduce body temperature
- Do not give them fluids
This story was originally published June 24, 2024 at 4:48 PM.
