Regardless of your age, where you live or the time of the year, you could suffer heat stroke. While this may be more likely when working outdoors during the summer season, there is always the possibility that this could happen in cooler conditions.
As the name suggests, heat stroke comes into play when you have too much exposure to high temperatures. When combined with dehydration, your body’s temperature control system is impacted.
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of heat stroke:
- Dizziness often accompanied by a feeling of light-headedness
- Pounding headaches
- Dry, hot and red skin
- Muscle cramps and/or muscle weakness
- Lack of sweating
- Shallow breathing
- Vomiting and nausea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
As you can see, there is nothing simple about heat stroke. This is a serious medical concern that could lead to a variety of other issues if not treated in the appropriate manner.
If you work long hours in hot conditions, you’re at greater risk of developing heat stroke. This is often true among people who work in the construction or manufacturing industries.
If you have any reason to believe you’re suffering from heat stroke, stop what you are doing in an attempt to cool down. Also, call for medical help and let your employer know what is going on (if you are at work).
Once you receive treatment, your medical team will let you know what to do next. If you are unable to return to work for an extended period of time, you may qualify to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Source: Web MD, “Heat Stroke: Symptoms and Treatment,” accessed Dec. 14, 2017