Summertime in the Natural State conjures up images of boating, swimming, grilling out with friends and family and holiday gatherings. However, summertime also means periods of extreme heat conditions. Over the last several weeks, heat indices of more than 105 degrees have caused a record number of Arkansans to suffer from heat related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

This scenario is commonplace for people who work outdoors. Contractors, park rangers, foresters, military service members, utility workers and wildlife officers are just some of the people whose jobs require them to work outdoors during extreme heat conditions.

The team at the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office are no strangers to handling heat related illnesses. Recently, rangers Evan Mount and Brandon Wofford alongside forester Jon Barry and park volunteer Dan Ayers navigated a situation in which a state agency partner was overcome with heat exhaustion. It was a sweltering 110 degrees that day with the heat index, and severe heat advisories had been issued across the state.

“Together, all of us were able to render aid and get the person to safety because we recognized the symptoms and have been trained on what to do,” said park ranger Wofford. “If we hadn’t been there, the outcome could have been a lot worse,” he continued.

Living in the south, Arkansans are aware of how hot it can get. However, it is important that everyone knows their limits and takes precautions as needed to prevent heat illnesses. Although heat exhaustion and heat stroke are often mistakenly interchanged with one another, they are two separate illnesses.

Knowing how to spot the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be the difference between life and death. When suffering from heat exhaustion, a person may feel weak or lightheaded, have muscle cramps, heavily sweat or become nauseous.

When suffering from heat stroke, a person may experience a throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103°F, red or damp skin, rapid pulse or loss of consciousness. If symptoms of heat stroke are present, it is imperative that medical attention be sought immediately as a delay in care could result in death.

Knowing the signs of heat illness and how to properly administer care to those affected, is crucial.

“When someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, some of the first steps you need to take are moving them to a shaded area or somewhere with air conditioning, loosen clothing and apply a cool compress,” said park ranger Mount.

With heat stroke, the same tips can be applied but with one important difference, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not recommend giving the affected person fluids since this can induce vomiting and oftentimes this illness is accompanied by disorientation or loss of consciousness making it difficult for the person to properly swallow.

Stories such as what the team at Millwood experienced are more common than you think, and aren’t solely related to those with outdoor occupations.

Those who enjoy any type of outdoor activity during the summer months are at risk of experiencing heat related illnesses.

“It is important to take precautions,” said Barry. “We encourage park visitors to drink plenty of fluids, wear light colored clothing and try to stay in the shade as much as possible during the hottest parts of the day.”

Keep these safety tips in mind and check up on your friends and family this summer to make sure they are being heat safe, because heat safety is a team effort.