HomeMy WebLinkAboutRE_ Heat related illnesses PSA (2).msgThanks Aaron, will be working on the video script
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From: Scheller, Aaron D. <ADSchell@lasd.org>
Sent: Friday, June 3, 2022 7:27 AM
To: Cecilia Arellano <CArellano@DiamondBarCA.Gov>; JR Ybarra <JYbarra@DiamondBarCA.Gov>
Subject: [Possible SPAM: Barracuda] Heat related illnesses PSA
Importance: Low
CAUTION: This message originated outside of our City of Diamond Bar network.
When I think of extreme hot weather, I picture a man on his hands and knees crawling through sand on a large dune with the sweat falling from his sunburnt forehead under the sweltering
heat of the sun with no shade in sight. At least that’s what I feel like on a HOT California day. Now, we can all agree that I am not in the medical field, I am in law enforcement.
However, as a law enforcement officer I am trained as a first responder and trained in heat related first aid. So, as summer is getting warmed up, I just want to take a moment to
chat about hot weather safety.
Heat related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is unable to properly cool itself. Usually, your bodies cooling mechanism is sweating which causes
the temperature of your body to lower during hot weather. However, in some cases sweating is not enough and your bodies temperature may continue rising and your body will not be able
to cool itself. The results of this inability to lower its temperature can cause many different injuries including death. I have three tips to stay safe during the hot days.
First, stay cool. Staying in a location that has air conditioning is the way to go. Malls and movie theater are a great choice on hot days. I can say I am very thankful for the invention
of air conditioning. However, if you are going to leave the house, start the day by preparing for the weather you might be facing. If it was going to rain you would want a raincoat,
so if its hot dress appropriately. Wear clothing which is light, loose, and comfortable. Your clothing should allow air flow so your body heat can escape. Covering your head is great
protection from the sun but try to wear a light-colored hat that has vents so your body heat can escape. Try to do any outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the evening
before sunset. This avoids direct sun and will help you stay cool.
Secondly, drink lots of water. Most heat related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat strokes are related to not drinking enough water. Water is the source your
body uses to protect itself from heat related injuries by sweating. It’s the natural way you body can cool itself when facing hot days. Coffee and other caffeine related drinks such
as soft drinks and energy drinks can dehydrate your body, water is the only source of fluid that can give you the hydration you need. Trust me, this is coming from someone who wears
a wool uniform, protective vest, and carries 20 pounds of extra gear everywhere I go. Because I sweat so much, I must drink a lot of water to keep up with what I lost.
Look for signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses. Heat Cramps may be the first sign of a heat related illness. Symptoms start as simple cramps in your legs and abdomen but can
become very painful and begin to spasm with heavy sweating. If you feel the onset of heat cramps, you should rest and gently message your muscles while drinking water to allow your
body to cool your muscles. If your cramping continues longer than an hour, you should seek medical attention. If you are heavily sweating, week or tired, cool, pale, clammy skin with
a fast weak pulse feeling dizzy, nauseous; you might have heat exhaustion. Get into a cooler environment, preferably and air-conditioned room. Loosen clothing and apply cool wet cloths
or take a cool bath while drinking water. Seek medical attention if you vomit or if your symptoms last longer than one hour.
Heat stroke is the most sever heat illness which gone untreated could be fatal. Symptoms can be throbbing headaches, confusion, nausea, dizziness, fainting, or loss of consciousness.
You body cannot continue cooling your body and your temperature can rise over 103 degrees causing your skin to dry with a rapid strong pulse. If you encounter this, call 911 right
away or get the patient to the hospital immediately. Again, try to cool the patient by getting them into an air-conditioned environment and apply cool wet cloths. In the most sever
cases do not give the patient fluids because it could cause them to choke.
Lastly, I must end this blog with an important reminder about hot days here in Southern California. We must consider our family members, whether they be human or a furry friend, of
the potential ramifications of leaving them in a hot car. Cars can get between 130 and 170 degrees and can be fatal to our loved ones. It only takes minutes for someone to become
overwelled by heat and succumb to their injuries. On average, of over 35 children die due to being left in a hot car every year. Keep our kiddos and furry friends safe and take them
with you when your out and about, it makes for a fun and enjoyable time.
Aaron Scheller | Special Projects Deputy
Los Angeles County Sheriff | City of Diamond Bar
21810 Copley Drive,
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
909.348.8334 / 909.348.8316 Fax
adschell@lasd.org <mailto:Faxadschell@lasd.org>
ascheller@diamondbarCA.gov <mailto:lasd.orgascheller@diamondbarCA.gov>