Common Mistakes to Avoid During Heat Emergencies

Understanding what NOT to do is crucial, as wrong actions can worsen heat illness or delay life-saving treatment.

Critical Mistakes:

1. Confusing Heat Exhaustion with Heat Stroke

- Mental status is key differentiator - Don't assume sweating means not serious - Temperature over 104°F = emergency - When in doubt, treat as heat stroke - Call 911 for any confusion

2. Insufficient Cooling for Heat Stroke

- Garden hose isn't aggressive enough - Ice packs alone insufficient - Must immerse or continuously douse - Every minute counts - Cool first, transport second

3. Giving Fluids to Confused Person

- Risk of choking/aspiration - Won't cool fast enough - May cause vomiting - Focus on external cooling - Let medical providers handle fluids

4. Using Alcohol or Caffeine

- Both cause dehydration - Alcohol impairs temperature regulation - Can worsen symptoms - Stick to water or sports drinks - Avoid energy drinks

DO vs. DON'T Comparison List:

| DO | DON'T | |---|---| | Cool aggressively for heat stroke | Use only ice packs for heat stroke | | Call 911 for any confusion | Wait to see if they improve | | Remove clothing for cooling | Worry about modesty in emergency | | Use cold water immersion | Give fluids if confused | | Continue cooling en route | Stop cooling to transport | | Check temperature frequently | Assume they're fine if talking | | Hydrate slowly for exhaustion | Force fluids quickly | | Rest remainder of day | Return to activity same day |

Dangerous Delays:

"Tough It Out" Mentality

- Athletes/workers at high risk - Pride delays treatment - Permanent organ damage possible - Death can occur rapidly - Always err on side of caution

Inadequate Initial Treatment

- Moving to shade isn't enough - Must actively cool - Passive cooling fails - Aggressive measures required - Minutes matter

Transportation Delays

- Don't wait for ambulance to cool - Start cooling immediately - Continue during transport - Can cool in back of pickup - Time is brain cells