As the weather is getting warmer it is good to remember ways to combat heat related illnesses and issues.  Knowing the signs and differences between a sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke may help you or another person in these warmer/Summer months.

Sunburn– Skin irritation painful and red in color depending on severity can lead to blisters.

     What to do for Sunburns

• Stay out of the sun till the burn has time to heal
• Use cool clothes or cold baths to sooth skin
• Apply lotions/aloe
• Do not break blisters

Heat Cramps– Heavy sweating during intense exercises and muscle cramps/spasms

     What to do for Heat Cramps

• Stop the strenuous activity and move to a cooler place
• Drink water or an electrolyte beverage- Hydrate
• Let the Cramps/ Spasms cease before continuing with activity
• Seek medical attention if cramps last longer than an hour/ If you have Heart problems

Heat Exhaustion– Heat exhaustion can look like heavy sweating, cold/pale/clammy skin, fast/weak pulse, Nausea/vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness/weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting

    What to do for Heat Exhaustion

• Move to a cool place
• Loosen your clothes
• Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath
• Sip water
• Seek medical attention if you are throwing up, symptoms worsen, symptoms last longer than an hour

Heat Stroke– High body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, hot/red/dry or damp skin, fast/strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, losing consciousness

    What to do for Heat Stroke

• Call 911- heat stroke is a medical emergency
• Move the person to a cooler place
• Help lower the persons temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
• Do not give the person anything to drink

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html

We are sad to learn of the passing of our Charter Member, Russell “Hoppy” Decker. Hoppy, along with a few others from the Nassau Hose Company, got together to form Nassau Fire Department Ambulance in 1953, and remained active for many years after.
Over the years on many occasions I have had the Honor to talk to Hoppy and listen to his stories and experiences about the Ambulance, which always fascinated me. On one occasion, during our Building Dedication in 2010, Hoppy and his Wife Gretchen were on hand to cut the ceremonial Ribbon dedicating the New Home of Nassau Ambulance to all members Past, Present and Future. I remember Hoppy saying to me “The Ambulance has come a long way since 1953.” I told Hoppy that it was all possible because of his vision to have an Ambulance closer to us!
Thank You Hoppy for all you have given to us. Your Dedication to the people of Nassau and surrounding communities will live on with us.
We would like to send our deepest condolences to his wife Gretchen and the whole family during this most difficult time.
God Speed Hoppy, you will be missed.