A Nashville doctor who helps safeguard music lovers during steamy summer festivals shared key tips on avoiding heat exhaustion at events and elsewhere to safeguard kids, adults and pets.
With Nashville-area temperatures expected to stay in the 90s for much of the final week of July, knowing how to recognize and treat heat exhaustion and heat stroke could be critical, said Dr. Ashley Panas, chief flight physician with Vanderbilt University Medical Center's LifeFlight. Panas has helped staff medical services during racing events at Nashville Superspeedway, CMA Fest and events at Nissan Stadium that bring crowds, fun and, often, heat-related illness.
"We certainly see a lot of heat-related illness," Panas said. "Early illnesses can be fairly minor
but can also be fairly extreme. Heat stroke is life threateningand that's when your body core temperature starts to affect your vital organs."
Young children and the elderly are at higher risk, but healthy young adults also can become sick from the heat, she said.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating; headache; dizziness; fatigue; nausea or vomiting; rapid heart rate and intense thirst. Meanwhile, heat stroke comes with a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher; confusion or disorientation; slurred speech; hot, red skin and fainting, seizures or loss of consciousness.
"All ages are susceptible to heat stroke," especially when exercising in the heat, she said.
A few simple steps can keep the good times going and lessen the risks of injury.
What to do before an outdoor concert or event
Start early by drinking plenty of water the day before you plan to be outside in the heat so your body is hydrated, the doctor said.
Otherwise, if you start out dehydrated, you're going to be more susceptible of heat illness at the event.
Staying safe at Nashville festivals
Panas advised that workers and concertgoers make a mental note of the location of the medical tent as they enter the event just in case.
It's important to drink lots of water and beverages with electrolytes, she said.
Some venues will offer cooling stations with shade and water.
If alcohol is consumed, it's important to drink moderately because it can be a double-whammy, causing someone to become dehydrated more quickly and dulling the awareness of possible heat exhaustion, the doctor said.
Signs of possible heat exhaustion
If someone starts talking nonsensically, it could be a sign of heat exhaustion, Panas said. Other signs can include headaches, nausea. muscle cramping and lightheadedness.
Someone in danger of overheating may turn red or may become pale an clammy, Panas said.
Someone suffering a heat stroke might suffer a seizure or lose consciousness.
Rapid cooling
Medical teams at outdoor events have rapid cooling plans to aid victims on site before transporting them to a hospital.
"The literature in recent years has shown that if we can rapidly cool someone at the time that we identify them as a heat stroke victim, their outcomes are much better," Panas said.
The teams will move the patient to the shade and immerse them in an ice bath to lower their core temperature on site, the doctor said.
How long can you leave your pet in a hot car?
Panas advises not to leave your pet in a hot car, even with windows cracked.
Temperatures inside the car can rise quickly, endangering pets and children, according to warnings by the state Health Department.
Health experts urge drivers to routinely check front and back seats for kids and pets before leaving the car.
Beth Warren covers health care and can be reached at bwarren@tennessean.com or on X at @BethWarrenCJ.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville doctor shares heat exhaustion warning as temperatures soar
