As the weather quickly starts to warm up in North Carolina, new threats emerge if you work outside. The heat is a terrible hazard if you are not aware of how dangerous it can be. Heat stroke is a serious medical condition that puts you at risk of horrible injuries and even death. When you work outside, you must be aware of what heat stroke is and how you can prevent it from happening to you.
The Mayo Clinic explains heat stroke is when your body overheats and cannot cool itself down. Prolonged exposure to heat or overexerting yourself physically in high heat conditions cause this medical emergency. You should always seek medical care if you suspect you have heat stroke because it can cause damage to your organs, muscles and brain. If it gets serious, it can cause death.
Your first step is to know the symptoms. Pay attention to your body. If you notice your skin is hot and you are not sweating or you are breathing more rapidly, these are good signs of an issue. A rapid heartbeat, slurred speech, headache and altered mental state also are signs of heat stroke.
Avoiding heat stroke is about being smart when working in high heat. Make sure to take regular breaks out of the heat and in the shade. Stay hydrated. Make sure if it is excessively hot that you are not doing heavy physical labor. Also, make sure you are not taking any medications or have any health conditions that could make you more susceptible to heat stroke. This information is for education and is not legal advice.
