Heat illness occurs when heat produced by physical activity combines with that gained from the environment to exceed the heat-losing capacity of the body. Normally, the body decreases its temperature by two mechanisms: (1) by increasing blood flow to the body surface, and (2) by perspiration that cools by evaporation. When the environmental humidity approaches or reaches 80 percent, evaporation of perspiration ceases, and dissipation of heat is no longer possible (American Academy of Pediatrics, School Health: A Guide for Health Professionals, 1981).

To aid in the prevention of heat-related illness in schools, the Illinois Department of Public Health recommends the following interventions:

• Ensure that students are well hydrated.
• Plain water is the liquid of choice, with sports drinks – such as Gatorade® – and diluted fruit juice acceptable forms of fluid replacement.
• Encourage students to wear loose fitting summer clothing.
• In order to prevent heat fatigue, offer regularly scheduled rest periods.
• Indoor temperatures can sometimes exceed the outdoor temperature. To assist in keeping the classroom temperature comfortable, keep windows and doors open with at least one fan moving air throughout the room.
• Allow students to utilize alternative areas located on the lower or ground level of the school or shady areas on the school grounds.
• Encourage the school district to establish both a policy and a plan to deal with extreme temperatures.
• Age-appropriate prevention education regarding heat related illnesses should be made available for all students, parents and staff. Call on local resources – for example, local health department staff, physicians and health educators – to assist with this.

Heat Cramps

• Muscular cramps brought on by exercise and the resulting loss of sodium

• Move the person to a cooler place to rest in a comfortable position.
• Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids.
• Give person small amounts (4 oz.- 5 oz.) of water every 15 minutes.
• DO NOT GIVE ALCOHOL OR CAFFEINE; THIS CAN WORSEN THE CONDITION.

Heat Exhaustion

• Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin
• Heavy sweating, headache, nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness and exhaustion
• Body temperature near normal

• Move the person out of the heat and into a cooler place.
• Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool wet cloths, such as towels or sheets.
• If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes.
• Observe the victim carefully for changes in condition.
• DO NOT GIVE ALCOHOL OR CAFFEINE; THIS CAN WORSEN THE CONDITION.

Heat Stroke

• Hot, red skin
• Change in consciousness, irritability, confusion
• Rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing
• Body temperature can be very high – sometimes as high as 105 degrees F.
• Skin may feel wet or dry.

• Call 911 or your local emergency number.
• Quickly cool the body: Immerse victim in a cool bath or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan the victim.
• If victim refuses water, is vomiting or shows a decreased level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.