Heat Illness Response Protocol for Texas Ranches

Step-by-step emergency response procedures for heat-related illness

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Know the Steps Before Someone Goes Down

Heat illness can go from mild discomfort to life-threatening emergency in minutes. Every ranch worker should recognize the symptoms and know what to do. This protocol gives you clear, actionable steps for responding to heat emergencies on the ranch.

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Heat Illness Severity Levels

Level 1: Heat Cramps (MILD)

• Heavy sweating
• Thirst
• Fatigue
• Normal mental state

Level 2: Heat Exhaustion (MODERATE)

• Cool, pale, clammy skin
• Weak, rapid pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Headache
• Dizziness or fainting
• Weakness
• Dark urine

Level 3: Heat Stroke (SEVERE - MEDICAL EMERGENCY)

• Hot, red, dry OR damp skin
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Confusion, altered speech
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• No sweating despite heat

Response Protocol: Heat Cramps (Level 1)

Immediate Actions

``` STEP 1: STOP WORK ├── Move to shaded area immediately ├── Sit or lie down └── Do not continue working through cramps

STEP 2: HYDRATE ├── Drink water or electrolyte solution ├── Sip slowly - 4 oz every 15 minutes ├── Avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugary drinks └── Continue drinking even if thirst subsides

STEP 3: COOL DOWN ├── Loosen or remove excess clothing ├── Apply cool water to skin ├── Use fan or natural breeze └── Rest in shade minimum 30 minutes

STEP 4: STRETCH ├── Gently stretch cramping muscles ├── Massage affected areas └── Do not return to work until cramps fully resolve ```

Return to Work Criteria

• [ ] Cramps completely resolved
• [ ] Minimum 30 minutes rest completed
• [ ] Consumed at least 16 oz fluids
• [ ] Feeling normal (no dizziness, nausea, fatigue)
• [ ] Can perform light activity without symptoms returning

Response Protocol: Heat Exhaustion (Level 2)

Immediate Actions

``` STEP 1: ALERT ├── Tell someone - do not leave person alone ├── Call for help if in remote location └── Prepare for potential worsening

STEP 2: MOVE TO COOL ENVIRONMENT ├── Shade (minimum requirement) ├── Air-conditioned space (preferred) ├── Vehicle with A/C running └── Any location cooler than work area

STEP 3: POSITION AND COMFORT ├── Lie down flat ├── Elevate legs 8-12 inches ├── Loosen or remove clothing └── Stay still - no exertion

STEP 4: ACTIVE COOLING ├── Apply cool water to skin (not ice cold) ├── Spray mist and fan ├── Place cool wet cloths on neck, armpits, groin ├── Use ice packs wrapped in cloth on pulse points └── Continue cooling until symptoms improve

STEP 5: HYDRATE ├── If conscious and not vomiting: sip cool water ├── Electrolyte drinks preferred ├── Small sips only - 4 oz every 15 minutes └── If vomiting: stop fluids, monitor closely

STEP 6: MONITOR ├── Check condition every 5 minutes ├── Watch for confusion or worsening ├── Take temperature if possible └── Be ready to call 911 ```

Warning Signs to Watch For

• [ ] Person becomes confused or disoriented
• [ ] Person loses consciousness
• [ ] Symptoms worsen despite cooling
• [ ] Vomiting prevents hydration
• [ ] Person has seizure

Recovery Monitoring

Post-Heat Exhaustion

• No work remainder of day
• Seek medical evaluation
• Increased susceptibility for 24-48 hours
• Gradual return to heat exposure
• Monitor closely on return

Response Protocol: Heat Stroke (Level 3)

⚠️ THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY ⚠️

``` STEP 1: CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY ├── State: "Heat stroke emergency" ├── Give exact location ├── Describe symptoms ├── Stay on line for instructions └── Send someone to guide EMS to location

STEP 2: MOVE TO COOL AREA ├── Shade or A/C if immediately available ├── Do not delay cooling for perfect location └── Cool where they are if can't move safely

STEP 3: AGGRESSIVE COOLING - START NOW ├── Remove excess clothing ├── Immerse in cool water if available (NOT ice) ├── If no immersion: soak with water, any source ├── Pack ice/cold packs at neck, armpits, groin ├── Fan continuously ├── Mist with water while fanning └── DO NOT STOP COOLING until EMS arrives

STEP 4: POSITION ├── If conscious: lie flat, elevate legs ├── If unconscious: recovery position (on side) ├── If vomiting: on side to prevent aspiration └── If seizure: protect head, clear area, do not restrain

STEP 5: DO NOT ├── DO NOT give fluids if unconscious ├── DO NOT use ice bath (can cause shock) ├── DO NOT leave person alone ├── DO NOT assume they're "fine" if alert └── DO NOT delay cooling while waiting for EMS ```

Critical Cooling Methods (Priority Order)

• Cold water immersion (if available, not ice)
• Evaporative cooling (wet + fan)
• Ice packs to pulse points (neck, armpits, groin)
• Any available water (hose, trough, bottles)

What to Tell 911

• "Heat stroke emergency"
• Location (be specific, give landmarks)
• Person's approximate age and condition
• Current body temperature if known
• Level of consciousness
• Whether cooling has started
• Any medical conditions if known

Quick Reference Cards

Print and Laminate for Work Areas

#### HEAT CRAMPS (MILD) ``` ☐ Stop work → shade ☐ Drink water/electrolytes ☐ Loosen clothing ☐ Rest 30+ minutes ☐ Stretch gently ☐ Resume work only when fully recovered ```

#### HEAT EXHAUSTION (MODERATE) ``` ☐ Get help - don't leave alone ☐ Move to cool area/A/C ☐ Lie down, elevate legs ☐ Remove excess clothing ☐ Cool with water, wet cloths ☐ Sip fluids if conscious ☐ Call 911 if: confused, unconscious, temp >103°F, not improving ```

#### HEAT STROKE (EMERGENCY) ``` ☐ CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY ☐ Cool NOW - don't wait ☐ Remove clothing ☐ Wet entire body ☐ Ice to neck, armpits, groin ☐ Fan continuously ☐ KEEP COOLING until EMS arrives ```

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Prevention Reminders

Daily Heat Illness Prevention

High-Risk Factors

• Taking certain medications (diuretics, beta-blockers)
• Previous heat illness
• Chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease)
• Age over 65 or under 18
• Overweight
• Not adequately hydrated
• Working in direct sun

Documentation

After Any Heat Illness Event

• Person affected
• Symptoms observed
• Actions taken
• Time to recovery
• Medical treatment sought
• Return-to-work date
• Improve prevention
• Workers' compensation if needed
• Training improvement

Training Requirements

All Ranch Workers Should Know

• [ ] How to recognize heat cramps, exhaustion, and stroke
• [ ] Immediate response actions for each level
• [ ] Location of cooling supplies
• [ ] How to call for help from any ranch location
• [ ] When to call 911

Annual Training Recommended

• Review before summer season
• Practice scenarios
• Update emergency contacts
• Check cooling supplies
• Review high-risk conditions

Emergency Contacts

EMERGENCY: 911

Ranch Address for EMS: _________________________________ _________________________________ GPS Coordinates: ___________________

Nearest Cross Street: _______________

Gate Code (if applicable): ___________

Meeting Point for EMS: ______________ ```

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Related Resources

• Heat Index Calculator
• Heat Prevention Guide
• Working During Peak UV Hours
• Emergency Communication Plans