As summer closes in, let’s get prepared. Here’s a quick quiz question:

How many people died in the heat wave of 2003 in Europe?

Hot Nights Spell Trouble in Stone or Brick Housing

The high number of deaths can be explained by the conjunction of what is usually unrelated. Most nights in France, for example, are cool, even in summer. As a consequence, houses (usually of stone, concrete or brick construction) do not warm too much during the daytime and radiate minimal heat at night, and air conditioning is usually unnecessary. During the heat wave, temperatures remained at record highs even at night, preventing the usual cooling cycle.

The answer to the quick quiz question is that estimates range from 35,000 to more than 70,000 people died as a result of the heat wave. Seven days with temperatures of more than 40 °C (104 °F) were recorded between July and August 2003. People had never faced such extreme heat before and did not know how to react or were too impaired by the heat to make the necessary adaptations.

Heat Stroke is a Serious Medical Emergency

Heat stroke is an abnormally elevated body temperature with accompanying physical and neurological symptoms. Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion (two forms of hyperthermia that are less severe), heat stroke is an medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated.

The body normally generates heat as a result of metabolism, and is usually able to dissipate the heat by either radiation of heat through the skin or by evaporation of sweat. However, in extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous exertion under the sun, the body may not be able to dissipate the heat and the body temperature rises, sometimes up to 106°F (41.1°C) or higher. Another cause of heat stroke isdehydration. A dehydrated person may not be able to sweat fast enough to dissipate heat, which causes the body temperature to rise.

Symptoms of heat stroke can sometimes mimic those of heart attack or other conditions. Sometimes a person experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion before progressing to heat stroke.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, headache, muscle cramps and aches, and dizziness.

Some individuals can develop symptoms of heat stroke suddenly and rapidly without warning.

Symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, the absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, strange behavior, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, disorientation, seizure, coma. (Different people may have different symptoms and signs of heat stroke.)

How can heat stroke be prevented?

The most important measures to prevent heat strokes are to avoid becoming dehydrated and to avoid vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather.

If you have to perform physical activities in hot weather, drink plenty of fluids (such as water and sports drinks), but avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tea which may lead to dehydration.

Your body will need replenishment of electrolytes (such as sodium) as well as fluids if you sweat excessively or perform vigorous activity in the sunlight for prolonged periods.

Take frequent breaks to hydrate yourself. Wear hats and light-colored, lightweight, loose clothes.

How do you treat a heat stroke victim?

Victims of heat stroke must receive immediate treatment to avoid permanent organ damage. First and foremost, cool the victim.

Get the victim to a shady area, remove clothing, apply cool or tepid water to the skin (for example you may spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose), fan the victim to promote sweating and evaporation, and place ice packs under armpits and groin.

Monitor body temperature with a thermometer and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F (38.3-38.8°C).

Always notify emergency services (911) immediately. If their arrival is delayed, they can relay to you further instructions for treatment of the victim.

Those most susceptible to heart stroke include infants, the elderly (often with associated heart diseases, lung diseases, kidney diseases, or who are taking medications that make them vulnerable to heat strokes), athletes, and outdoor workers physically exerting themselves under the sun.

If you or someone you know fits into this vulnerable group, remember these key factors:

• Drink plenty of liquids. Plenty means lots of water, juice, you name it. But cut out any alcohol or caffeine.
• Don’t go outdoors unless you absolutely must. You’re safer indoors during a heat wave. Travel to a cooler place — then stay put. If nights are hot, get help finding a cooler place.
• Relax in an air conditioned place, if you can. Find a comfortable cool location to spend most of the day. It may even become necessary to sleep there.
• Keep a watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.