Beat the Heat

What happens to the body as a result of exposure to extreme heat?

People have heat-related illnesses when the body's temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but sometimes sweating isn't enough and body temperature can rise rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other important organs and can lead to death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

How fast can body temperature rise to dangerous levels?

Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.

How many people get ill from the summer heat?

Nearly 800 people in Arizona are admitted to hospitals because of heat related illnesses each year. Each year 30-50 Arizonans die from heat-related illness.

Who is most at risk for heat-related illness?

Anyone and everyone is susceptible to heat-related illness, especially if they push themselves too hard during work or exercise, but some people are at a higher risk:

• Infants and children younger than 4 years old
• People age 65 and older
• People with heart disease or high blood pressure
• People who are overweight
• People who drink alcohol

How much water should I drink during hot weather?

During hot weather you need to drink more than you think. Increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink at least two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour even if you're not thirsty. Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine because they will cause you to lose more fluid. Those exercising or working in hot weather should include sports beverages or juices in addition to water in their fluid intake.

What should I wear in hot weather?

Wear as little clothing as possible when you are at home. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. If you must go outdoors, avoid getting sunburned - that affects your body's ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids in addition to pain and skin damage. Wear a wide-brimmed hat. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going out and reapply according to the package directions.

What should I do if I have to be active in the heat?

Pace yourself. If you are not used to working or exercising in the heat, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If your heart pounds and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or at least in the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak or faint.

Problem	Symptoms	Signs	Response
Heat cramps	Muscle cramps - pain or spasms in arms, legs or abdomen		Stop all activity Rest in cool place Drink water, juice or electrolyte fluid May cautiously resume prior activities if symptoms entirely resolve
Heat exhaustion	Weakness Tiredness Blurred vision Dizziness Headache Muscle cramps Nausea/vomiting Fainting	Extreme sweating Rapid pulse rate, pulse may be weak Pale face Slight stumbling Normal to slightly elevated temperature Shallow rapid breathing	Lay person down flat in a cool area Loosen clothing Give plenty of water or electrolyte fluids to drink if conscious Take a cool shower or bath Call 911 if the person vomits, refuses water, loses consciousness, or is not improved in an hour (can progress to heat stroke) Person should not return to strenuous activity in heat that day
Heat stroke	Chills Restlessness Irritability Throbbing headache Loss of coordination Confusion	Red face Hot dry skin (no sweating) Strong rapid pulse Disorientation or erratic behavior High body temperature (greater than103°F) Shivering Collapse Seizures Unconsciousness or coma	Call 911 or make arrangements for hospital transport Immediately move to shady/cooler area and start cooling person by loosening clothing and applying cool water or cloths soaked in cool water Do not give victim fluids to drink

Medications and Heat

High temperatures can be very dangerous for people taking psychiatric medications. Psychiatric and illicit drugs can decrease the body’s natural responses to heat. This means that it is even more important to prevent 

Drugs that can put you at most risk include:

Alpha adrenergics (for blood pressure)
Anticholinergics (for COPD – inhaler)
Antihistamines (for allergies)
Benzodiazepines (sedatives)
Beta blockers (for hypertension or heart disease)
Calcium channel blockers (for hypertension)
Diuretics (for heart disease, fluid retention)
Laxatives
Neuroleptics (antipsychotics)
Phenothiazines (antipsychotics, anti-nausea)
Thyroid agonists
Tricyclic antidepressants (anti-depressants)
Amphetamines

and illegal drugs like:

Cocaine
Methamphetamine
MDMA

Ecstasy

For printed copies of any of this material, please email healthcommunications@pima.gov. Or, feel to print copies of the documents below:

County Branded Heat Illness Collateral:
Heat Handout	English	Spanish
Hotel Heat Handout	English	Spanish
Poster	English	Spanish
Digital Poster	English	Spanish
Hiker Guide	English	Spanish
Hiker Guide (Sheriff's Department)	English
Heat Basic Sign	English	Spanish
Social media graphics	Style 1	Style 2	Style 3
Social media graphics (Spanish)	Style 1	Style 2	Style 3
Co-Brand Ready Collateral:
Samples available to show logo placement
Heat Handout	English	Spanish	Sample
Hotel Heat Handout	English	Spanish	Sample
Hiker Guide	English	Spanish	Sample
Heat Basic Sign	English	Spanish	Sample