First Aid: Heat Cramps

Participants enrolled in workplace-approved standard first aid courses will learn to recognize and provide care for patients and victims of heat cramps. They are brought on by heat stress and are recognized as a heat disorder. They are painful muscle cramps caused by too much salt and water loss as a result of either too much heat and physical exhaustion or a combination of both. The cramps usually occur in the muscle that has been used most strenuously. The rescuer will learn that the difference between common cramps and these types of cramps is that the common cramp can be treated with rest and massage, however, these cramps required replenishment of salt and water. To learn more about treating heat cramps and other environmental emergencies take a standard first aid course with one of our training providers located in Canada. Training providers are located in Ottawa, Kelowna, Vancouver, Calgary, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Regina, and Winnipeg.

The signs and symptoms of Heat Cramps:

The typical signs and symptoms of heat cramps include muscular pain, spasms, and excessive sweating. A history check of the patient should help determine whether the patient is suffering from this. The patient may also have lower levels of consciousness.

Treatment for Heat Cramps:

Rescuers should remove the patient from the environment that is causing the heat cramps. If possible the rescuer(s) should lay the worker on his or her back and remove any tight-fitting clothing. If possible place the victim in a

Swimming Pool for Heat Cramps
Let the Lifeguard be aware when wading into a pool to help cool off from heat cramps.

cooled environment and cool the worker with water. If the victim has a good level of consciousness he or she can wade into a pool. If the patient is fully alert the patient can ingest oral fluids, juice, or water with a solution of salt. Alcoholic, caffeinated, and other diuretic beverages are not recommended. The patient can also be cooled with sponged water, fanning, or by placing a wet towel over the patient. The patient’s airway should be maintained and the rescuer should monitor the patient’s vitals. If the condition of the patient does not improve the rescuer should contact emergency medical services (EMS) through the use of a bystander.

The patient should not continue to work or exert himself or herself after the situation has improved. Continuing to work can lead to more significant conditions and disorders such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

To prevent heat cramps people should stay hydrated, monitor work levels, do not overexert in hot environments, and have good levels of fitness and a healthy diet.

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