Deaths From Heat Exhaustion
Hyperthermia is an acute condition that occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. In its advanced state it is referred to as heat stroke or sunstroke. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures is usually the cause. The heat-regulating mechanisms of the body eventually become devastated and unable to deal with the heat, causing the body temperature to rise uncontrollably. Heat stroke is a medical emergency which requires immediate treatment.
Five young athletes age ranging from 11 to 17 years old, died of heat stroke in 2006. The trend was declining over the years. The last time there were more than five was in 1972, there were seven that year. Since 1995, there have been 31, and all of them could have been avoided. Seven other players also died last year of “heart-related” deaths that might or might not have been contributed to heat or exertion.
Child Deaths From Heat Exhaustion in Cars
It is hard to take young children out to run household tasks without their growing cranky and misbehaving. There are times that parents feel it is in the best interest for them if they leave their kids in the car while they do what they need to do. However, this decision can turn into a fatal one for the children and for parents, it’s a legal problem. Children dying due to heat exhaustion while being trapped inside vehicles has risen up to 340 deaths in the past 10 years. Whether these kids are intentionally neglected or accidently forgotten, the results can be the same. Parents are given a extensive range of penalties for their actions.
About a quarter of all of these death cases took place in the month of July and many of them were in places not known for having very hot weather. Studies show that Texas leads with the most deaths at 41 Florida followed with 37, California with 32 cases, North Carolina and Arizona both with 14 incidents, and Tennessee with 13.
Some children also voluntarily entered the scorching cars or trunks on their own and later found dead by unknowing parents. Those children who are forgotten have increased because car seats were told to be installed only in the back of the car. Who is responsible and who must pay is up to the courts, but parents have to live with the tragic consequences for the rest of their lives.
Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, paleness, tiredness, weakness, dizziness , headache, nausea or vomiting, and even fainting. The skin is cold and moist. The victim’s pulse rate will be fast and weak, and the breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is not been treated, it may progress to heat stroke.
If the victim has heart problems or the symptoms are severe, or having high blood pressure call 911 immediately. If not, help the victim to cool off, and seek out medical attention if symptoms last longer than 1 hour or worsen.

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