Summer brings plenty of large outdoor events to the region, including this month’s Club World Cup matches and major music festivals. But can you truly prevent heat illness and other issues while having fun in extreme heat?
Dr. Stephen Feagins, medical director for Hamilton County Public Health, says that experts in the mass gathering medicine field collaborate with event organizers to prepare for public health emergencies and minimize risks for fans. Still, there are things that individuals can do to protect themselves among crowds of people in hot outdoor spaces.
“Heat and humidity make it harder for our bodies to cool off through sweat, and that can lead to issues like dehydration and heat illness,” Feagins says. “Event-goers should drink plenty of water and pay attention to what’s happening to their body as well as what’s happening all around them.
Summer Safety Tips
Want to enjoy your summer events safely? Check out these tips.
-Get your bearings: In a venue, stadium, park or other expansive location, look around carefully to plan for potential emergencies. Know where to find the nearest first-aid stations, restrooms, fire alarms, emergency shelters and exits, and memorize how to get to the area’s nearest hospital or medical facility.
-Prevent illness: Avoid gathering near people who are coughing or who seem ill, and stay home if you’re not feeling well, yourself.
-Stay hydrated: Water is your best friend, especially at an outdoor event. Your body needs it for nearly every function, including regulating your body temperature and aiding digestive operations. Most people should aim to drink 8-13 cups of water during a regular day and even more during the hot summer months.
-Limit alcohol: A special drink may sound tasty during an event, but alcohol can quickly dehydrate your body when temperatures soar, leading to general fatigue, decreased coordination, and possibly even seizures. To lower your health risks, enjoy alcoholic drinks in moderation, and consider alternating with bottles of water.
-Treat heat illness immediately: If you feel faint or can’t stop sweating during your outdoor event, you may be experiencing heat illness and should take action immediately. Heat illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, rhabdomyolysis, heat syncope, heat cramps and heat rash. To neutralize the effects, head to an air-conditioned space and sip water to cool down. In extreme cases, you may need medical care or an ice bath to lower your body’s temperature quickly.
And, as always, check with your healthcare provider if you have concerns or questions.
For more information about preventing heat illness, download Hamilton County Public Health’s fact sheet or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
