What does heat stroke look like?

On Behalf of | Jun 5, 2019 | Workers' Compensation |

If you live in or around Atlanta, you know just how hot it can get during the summer months. You may enjoy the opportunity to work outdoors, but you must keep a close eye on your health and well-being at all times.

Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke, can set in quicker than many people believe. This happens when your core body temperature reaches 104 degrees. The most common signs of heat stroke include:

  • Dizziness
  • Pounding headache
  • Fainting
  • Weakness
  • Cramps
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Dry, hot and red skin
  • Shallow breathing
  • Seizures

If you begin to experience one or more of these symptoms, stop what you’re doing, and seek a cool place to rest. While resting, do your best to rehydrate through the consumption of water.

Should you seek medical treatment?

Heat stroke is every bit as serious as it sounds. Left untreated, it can cause a variety of health problems, including organ damage and failure.

Even if you feel that you can recover without medical assistance at home, it’s best to consult with your primary care physician or visit a local hospital.

With the help of your medical team, you will better understand what happened and what you can do to prevent a similar situation in the future. You can also discuss the treatment strategy you can follow to make a full recovery.

If your doctor suggests taking time away from work to recover, don’t hesitate to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. This allows you to receive compensation until your doctor signs off on you returning to your job.