Heat-Related Illnesses
Working and playing sports outdoors is a great way to get fresh air, expose yourself to sunlight, and expend energy. Unfortunately, however, if you spend too much time in the heat, you may put yourself at risk of suffering a heat-related illness. Those who spend ample time sweating and laboring in hot environments must take the time to cool down, rehydrate, and rest. When supervisors, coaches, or employers do not allow you to do so, you may develop a potentially serious heat illness.
Types of Heat Illnesses
The most dangerous form of heat illness that one can develop is heat stroke. However, before the body falls victim to heat stroke, it typically suffers a number of other heat illnesses first:
- Heat Rash: Itchy, red, and irritated skin that results from too much sweating and swollen sweat ducts.
- Heat Cramps: Severe pain and cramping in the muscles that result from lack of water and minerals in the body
- Heat Exhaustion: Overheating of the body that causes weakness, dizziness, heavy sweating, and a rapid yet weak pulse
- Heat Stroke: Complete failure of the body’s ability to regulate its own temperature, resulting in very high body temperatures, vomiting, difficulty breathing, confusion and unconsciousness
If you begin to experience the early signs of overheating – heat rash and heat cramps – then you should take the time to rest, rehydrate, and cool your body down. It is your coach’s or employer’s responsibility to allow you this freedom to take care of your body’s needs.
Contact Us
If you have suffered from a heat-related illness as the result of another party’s negligence, you deserve to seek compensation. Austin personal injury lawyer Vic Feazell can help you assert a strong and effective case. Contact him today by calling 877-948-4842.
