Summer: the epitome of fun, sun and outdoor exploration. While you’re soaking up the summer rays poolside during a family getaway in St. George, Utah or perfecting your golf swing at a beachside course on the West Coast, there’s one thing that doesn’t belong in your summer plans: heatstroke. A wrongful death lawyer won’t hesitate to tell you that it doesn’t matter how in shape you are or how resilient you might believe you are to the sun — heat stroke can, and will affect you.
Don’t let heatstroke ruin your summer camping trip to St. George or your annual pool party; here’s what you and your family need to know to avoid an emergency trip to the hospital and a potential call to a wrongful death lawyer.
Hundreds of People Die Annually From Heatstroke
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 675 people die every year from heatstroke. That’s way too many people dying from a condition that’s preventable. Unfortunately, most people don’t recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stroke until it’s too late.
The Major Symptoms of Heatstroke
You can avoid becoming a victim of heatstroke — and having to call a wrongful death lawyer while golfing in St. George — by recognizing the following symptoms of heat stroke: dizziness, fainting, headache, nausea, confusion/disorientation, core temperature above 105 degrees and red, hot and/or dry skin.
Address Heatstroke Symptoms Immediately
It’s always better to err on the side of safety whenever there’s a potential threat to the health of you or someone close to you. If you even slightly suspect that you or someone close to you is experiencing heat stroke, you should immediately call 911. Don’t wait and see if you or the other person begins to feel better or snap out of it — doing so is like playing Russian Roulette with your or someone else’s health.
What Immediate Action Should You Take?
As soon as you or someone close to you begins to show even slight symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 (or if it’s faster, go directly to the hospital). If possible, remove unnecessary clothing, wet the skin with water and keep the person as hydrated as possible until help arrives. Whatever you do, don’t wait — if you believe that you or someone close to you is experiencing heat stroke, it’s critical that you take action immediately.