Download information as a Protecting Kids from Summer Heat Information Sheet (
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Danger of Overheating (Hyperthermia)
Overheating, or Hyperthermia, is when the body temperature is elevated due to absorbing more heat than it can dissipate. Child care providers and families need to know the dangers of hyperthermia, which can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even death.
Heat Exhaustion
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, pale, clammy skin
- Fussiness
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness and/or fainting
- Rapid shallow breathing
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Elevated temperature above 101.6 or higher
What to Do:
- Move child to cool place.
- Provide water or preferably Pedialyte or a sports drink, only if the child is alert and willing to drink.
- Keep child resting and hydrated with fluids.
- Remove clothing.
- Sponge bathe with cool water (not ice water).
- If symptoms continue or worsen over the next 30 minutes seek immediate medical attention.
- Untreated heat exhaustion can progress into heat stroke.
Heat Stroke
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Rectal temperature of 102 °F or higher
- Red, hot, dry skin
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
- Possible brain damage
What to Do:
- Have someone call 9-1-1 while you begin to cool the child.
- Move child to cool place.
- Remove clothing.
- Get cool water on the child’s skin either by immersing her in a bathtub or shower, giving a sponge bath, or spraying her with a garden hose. In low humidity, wrap the child in a cool, wet sheet.
- Aim a fan or air conditioner at her.
- Do not give the child anything to drink. In her condition she could accidentally inhale the liquid into her lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia.
- If the emergency medical system is delayed, call the emergency room for additional instructions.
- Heatstroke victims sometimes begin to twitch uncontrollably with a seizure. Make sure that the child does not injure himself on furniture. Pad it or move it away. Never try to insert a spoon or other object in his mouth to prevent him from swallowing his tongue. Just turn his head to the side as soon as you are able to do so. Turn his head to the side if he is vomiting.
Tips to Prevent Hyperthermia
- Deadly heat stroke is preventable. There is no reason children have to die this way.
- Never, ever leave a child alone in a vehicle.
- Do not overdress a child in hot weather.
- Drink up, stay hydrated. Always have water or sports drinks within arm reach.
- Have a medical emergency plan in place.
- Plan who will provide emergency first aid.
- Plan who will call 9-1-1.
- Decide how parents will be notified in the event of an emergency.
- Have child care staff trained to provide pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR (see American Heart Association).
- Obtain training for all staff and maintain skills through practice. Keep records of classes taken and keep all staff current.