Knowing the symptoms of heat stroke can help outdoor workers know when to seek emergency medical care to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

Continuing from Know the Signs of Heat Illness in Hot Summer Months (Part 1), here is some additional information regarding the symptoms of various heat-related illnesses that outdoor workers should be aware of during the summer months. Knowing these symptoms can help outdoor workers identify the signs of heat-related illnesses early on, get treatment as soon as possible and, therefore, prevent more serious, potentially life-threatening complications from developing.

While Part 1 of this blog focused on less serious heat-related illnesses – namely heat rash and heat exhaustion, here in Part 2, we will concentrate on one of the most severe types of heat-related illness – heat stroke.

Heat Stroke Symptoms and Treatment

Heat stroke arises when the body’s temperature control system stops working and is medically defined as having a core body temperature upwards of 105° F. While heat stroke can arise from less serious heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps or heat exhaustion, in some cases, it can develop without any other heat-related illness having previously been present. Heat stroke is considered to be a medical emergency, and the symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Dizziness, lightheadedness and/or loss of consciousness
• Lack of sweating
• Skin that is red, hot to the touch or dry
• Muscle cramping or weakness
• Rapid heartbeat and/or breathing
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Seizures
• Intense headaches.

Heat stroke can be life-threatening; as a result, it will be essential to seek emergency medical care if you or a coworker begins to develop heat stroke symptoms. If there is any delay in EMTs arriving to treat the affected individual, you should move that person into the shade, remove unnecessary clothing and attempt to cool his core body temperature (ideally by dunking him into an ice bath or applying ice packs to his armpits, groin, neck and back areas.

Colorado Workers Compensation Lawyers

If you have sustained a heat-related illness or workplace injury and are considering (or in the process of) filing a workers compensation claim, it’s essential that you contact the Colorado workers compensation lawyers at the Law Office of Michael P. Dominick. Our legal professionals have a proven track record of success when it comes to securing our Clients the maximum possible compensation for their injuries and financial losses. For a thorough evaluation of your case, along with expert advice on the best manner in which to move forward, call us at (303) 447-2644.