Mary Alice Reporting –
The start of May brings the awareness of heatstroke and the dangers.
The life-threatening condition is caused when a person’s body overheats, which is typically triggered by prolonged exposure or physical exertion in high temperatures.
Highway Safety Specialist Laura Dunn says May 1st is Heatstroke Prevention Day to raise awareness as summer season gets underway bringing hotter days.
“We want to get the message out that heatstroke is something that all parents and children are at risk for, and young children are most at risk.”
Data from the Cleveland Clinic notes that heatstroke causes 240 to 830 deaths annually in the United States.
Associated symptoms include confusion, dizziness, weakness, and a person’s skin either becoming flushed or going pale.
Heatstroke can be treated by cooling down someone with ice packs or immersing them in cool water if available, getting them to a shaded spot, drink slightly salted water or sports drinks, and monitor their breathing.
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