Dangers of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most dangerous of all heat-related injuries because if emergency treatment is not provided immediately, it could be, and often is, fatal. It seems that every summer new instances of heat stroke occur, and this summer is no different. What makes these situations even more frustrating is – heat stroke is a preventable condition.

We’ll go over how heat stroke can be prevented a little later in the article. First, it is important to know why heat stroke is so dangerous and what the signs and symptoms of it are, so you can call 911 quickly if you notice someone suffering signs of it.

Why is Heat Stroke so Dangerous?

Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher (read using a rectal thermometer). At this temperature, it doesn’t take long for the brain, kidneys, muscles, and heart to be affected. And, the longer treatment goes unprovided, the worse the damage and the risk of death will be.

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke

One of the first signs that someone might have heat stroke is flushed skin. The skin will appear red and the individual’s breathing will become shallow and rapid. They may also act confused, agitated, or delirious, and their speech may be slurred.

Nausea and vomiting are commonly included, and a pounding headache can also be experienced. There will also be alterations in the individual’s sweating. Their skin may feel hot and dry when it’s caused by the weather, or it may feel dry or slightly moist if strenuous exercise is the cause. Their pulse will also be significantly higher than normal because their heart is working overtime to try and cool the body down.

What Causes Heat Stroke?

The most common cause of heat stroke is prolonged exposure to very hot and humid outdoor temperatures and sunshine. Those with chronic illnesses and the elderly are the most prone to developing this type of heat stroke. Other factors that can cause heat stroke include:

• Strenuous activity
• Drinking alcohol
• Dehydration
• Wearing tight clothing or clothing that doesn’t breathe

There are risk factors that impact how prone one may be to developing heat stroke, and these include:

• Age
• Certain medications
• Certain health conditions
• Lack of air conditioning
• Sudden exposure to hot and humid weather

How to Prevent Heat Stroke

The good thing is heat stroke is preventable. There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of ever being affected by this potentially fatal condition. Of course, if you are an increased risk, then you will need to be especially cautious and limit your exposure to the sun and heat.

• Here are some easy and effective ways to combat heat stroke:
• Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated
• Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF-15
• Wear lightweight, loose, and breathable clothing
• Avoid overly strenuous activity during the hottest time of the day
• Learn about your medications and how they react in hot weather

Why the Dragon Seats’ Polar Seat is Your #1 Tool to Combat Heat Stroke

In hot weather, an athlete’s core temperature can experience a sudden and substantial rise. This places them in a risky situation where if they are unable to cool off, they will be at severe risk of developing heat stroke. Dragon Seats’ Polar Seat is specifically designed to cool the body quickly and effectively. It is the only air-conditioned bench accessory that is scientifically proven capable of cooling an athlete’s core temperature down.

For sports teams that play in the heat, having a cooling source on the sideline is essential for keeping players safe and protected from the dangers of heat stroke. Dragon Seats is the only manufacturer of the Polar Seat. To learn more about Dragon Seats’ Polar Seat, visit our website, email us, or call us today at 216-287-5042.