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 “When
I was working as a landscaper, we had to sod a large backyard during
a day when the temperature was over 100 degrees Fahrenheit”, says
Chris Enroth, Extension horticulture educator.
“We were hustling to get the sod down quickly, so it didn’t burn up
in the hot sun. About midway through the day, I started feeling
nauseated and dizzy, and I stopped sweating. I was disoriented and
could no longer push my wheelbarrow. That’s when I knew I was
suffering from severe heat exhaustion, perhaps even heat stroke,”
says Enroth.
Hard work and warm weather can lead to dangerous health conditions.
As muscles work, they generate heat. The warmer the air temperature
is, the harder the body has to work to stay at normal body
temperature.
When the body can’t keep up with maintaining its internal
temperature, people experience heat exhaustion or, in more severe
cases, heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion can take place over several days of working outside
without proper rehydration.
Symptoms include:
• Increased body temperature, above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cool, moist, clammy skin.
• Weakness and muscle cramps.
• Headache.
• Dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.
• Fainting.
Treat individuals experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion by
getting them to a cool place with good air movement where they can
lie down with their legs elevated. Apply cold packs or wet towels
while the individual drinks cold water. If symptoms do not improve
after 30 minutes, seek medical attention.
Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness. Side effects
can be as dangerous as organ failure, coma, or death. Symptoms of
heat stroke are:
• High body temperature,106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
• Hot, dry skin — not sweaty. Red, flushed appearance.
• Rapid pulse and difficulty breathing. [to top of second
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• Confusion, hallucinations, or
irrational behavior.
• Agitation, convulsions, or seizure.
If you suspect someone is having a heat stroke, dial 911
immediately.
“From my experience, most people suffering from heat stroke may
not be aware of their condition until it’s too late,” says
Enroth.
While waiting for emergency personnel, administer first aid to
the individual by moving them to a cool place and removing
excessive clothing. Allow them to rest while keeping their head
and shoulders slightly elevated. Use any means to cool them by
applying ice packs to the back of the neck, armpits, and groin
area or putting them in a cool shower or bath. Monitor their
body temperature as they cool, as it is possible to snap them
into hypothermia. Once their body temperature reaches 102
degrees Fahrenheit, remove the ice packs and wet towels, or
remove them from the bath or shower. Be vigilant for possible
seizures.
Take Precautions
It doesn’t have to be 100 degrees outside for someone to
experience heat stress. As winter warms to spring and summer,
our bodies are not adapted to tolerate the heat. It takes one to
two weeks to build up a tolerance for working in the heat.
Landscapers and gardeners need to transition their bodies by
initially scheduling shorter periods of work outside.
Enroth recommends hydrating before work begins. Take 15-minute
breaks every two hours when working outside on a hot day.
Consider scheduling the most strenuous activities during the
morning or evening and avoid working during the hottest time of
the day. Alcohol and drugs can increase the severity of heat
stress, and so can some medications.
Sports drinks are good to have on hand, but water is the best
thing to drink before, during, and after a hot workday.
[SOURCE: Chris Enroth, Horticulture
Educator, Illinois Extension]
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