June 24, 2003

PRESS RELEASE
To: Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Asst. to the Fire Chief
Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

FIRE DEPARTMENT ISSUES HEAT SAFETY ADVISORY

The Shreveport Fire Department has issued a heat safety advisory for the area and is asking citizens to pay close attention to their elderly and shut-in family members and neighbors during this time of escalating temperatures and humidity . . .
The fire department has implemented their operation "Cool Down" in preparation for those heat related injuries that always seem to manifest themselves during the high temperatures of summertime.
Here are some signs and symptoms of heat injury and safety tips involving the most common problems:

HEAT CRAMPSHeat cramps are typically the first symptoms of injury from excessive heat. They can result from simple overexertion on a warm day, or they can be the first signs of a more perilous inability to cope with environmental heat. Signs and symptoms include severe muscle cramps (generally leg and/or abdominal cramps) exhaustion, and occasionally dizziness and/or fainting.

CARE PROCEDURES;

Move victim to a cool place. Give fluids, preferably with electrolytes. Massage affected muscles (firm pressure massage). Apply moist towels to forehead and cramped muscles. Call 911 if symptoms persist.

HEAT EXHAUSTIONHeat exhaustion is a more serious result of heat exposure. Signs and symptoms include rapid, shallow breathing, cold, clammy skin, heavy perspiration, general weakness, and possible loss of consciousness. Heat exhaustion can rapidly progress to heat stroke if the victim remains exposed and does not replenish lost fluids.

BYSTANDER EMERGENCY CARE PROCEDURES:

Activate EMS system (call 9-1-1). Move victim to a cool place. Rest victim. Remove enough clothing to cool but don't chill. Give fluids with electrolytes (to conscious victims only). Treat for shock- lay flat elevate feet.

HEAT STROKEHeat stroke is a serious life threatening emergency wherein the victim's cooling system has failed and prolonged high body temperature will likely result in brain damage or death. Signs and symptoms include deep breaths followed by shallow breathing, a rapid strong pulse followed by rapid, weak pulse, dry hot skin, dilated pupils, loss of consciousness / possible coma, and possibly seizures or muscular twitching.

BYSTANDER EMERGENCY CARE PROCEDURES

Activate EMS system (send someone to call 9-1-1). Rapidly cool the victim in any manner possible. Get victim out of the sun into a cooler area. Remove clothing and wrap with wet towels or sheets if possible. If cold packs or ice bags are available, pack one under each armpit, behind each knee, one on the groin, one on each wrist and one on each side of the neck. Treat for shock.

PreventionYou can take some steps to avoid experiencing these kinds of emergencies: condition yourself adequately before engaging in heavy exercise in the heat; drink plenty of liquids before any outdoor activity and maintain adequate hydration; consume electrolyte rich beverages (Gatoraid) prior to activity; pace yourself and if you start to feel weak, stop, rest, and rehydrate. These tips can be viewed on the Shreveport Fire Department’s Web site at shreveportfire.org . ###