Wednesday, 16 May 2012

HEAT CRAMPS & SYNCOPE


HEAT CRAMPS
Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms. They occur when a worker drinks a lot of water, but does not replace salts lost from sweating. Tired muscles – those used for performing the work – are usually the most likely to have the cramps.

Signs and symptoms:
  • Cramping or spasms of muscles
  • May occur during or after the work

What to do
  • Drink an electrolyte solution (sports drink) such as Gatorade
If the cramps are severe or not relieved by drinking a sports drink, seek medical attention 
 
HEAT SYNCOPE
Fainting usually happens to someone who is not used to working in the hot environment and simply stands around. Moving around, rather than standing still, will usually reduce the likelihood of fainting.

Signs and symptoms
  • Brief loss of consciousness
  • Sweaty skin, normal body temperature
  • No signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion

What to do:
  • Lie down in a cool place
  • Seek medical attention if not recovered after brief period of lying down

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