Beware of Unusual Heat Risks

07/18/2006

Indianapolis - The heat wave that's hit most of the country can be dangerous in ways that aren't immediately obvious.  Appropriate clothing, and avoiding peak hours of sunlight and heat are great tools for fighting heat related injuries. There are also other precautions that can save lives and limit injuries.

Few heat related problems have been seen in the emergency room at Riley at the beginning of this heat wave. "I suspect we'll see more as the heat wave goes on", says Robert Collins M.D., Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Riley Hospital for Children. 
 
"Heat injuries can include things we don't normally think of like slipping and falling in fountains, drowning that results from playing in retention ponds, or sneaking into unsupervised pools. Lakes and ponds pose bigger risks because of all the unseen stuff, like stumps and fishing line. These hazards exist even if you are a good swimmer. Don't swim alone and have adult supervision to minimize these risks", notes Collins.

Don't skip helmets because of the heat. It's tempting to go without for just one bike or motorcycle trip, but that can be a fatal mistake, Collins says. ATVs are dangerous, but if you choose to ride one, you'll want a helmet for the protection it provides.

A closed space that's not air-conditioned is deadly. Cars should be kept locked and garages should be closed. "Young children can crawl into cars or trunks as a game and they won't know how to pull a trunk releases. Supervision is what it's all about," says Marilyn Bull, Morris Green Professor of Pediatrics at Riley Hospital for Children.  "Children can also be burned on hot car seats. Cover that seat with light blanket and watch the temperature on car seat parts", Bull adds.