Community First Response During Extreme Heat: What Citizens Can Do When Help Is Not Immediately Available

In times of extreme heat, many of us find ourselves in situations where immediate assistance isn’t readily available. You might not have signed up as a volunteer or CERT member, but circumstances may require you to step in — as a first responder — until professional help arrives. Knowing what to do can make a critical difference in saving lives and preventing serious injury.

Understanding Extreme Heat and Its Risks

An extreme heat event—or heat wave—is a period of unusually hot and humid weather lasting days or even weeks. When the body can’t cool itself effectively, heat-related illnesses can develop rapidly, especially for vulnerable individuals.

Key risks include:

• Heat Cramps: Muscle spasms caused by heavy sweating and dehydration.

• Heat Exhaustion: Weakness, dizziness, nausea, and heavy sweating.

• Heat Stroke: A life-threatening emergency where the body's temperature regulation fails, leading to possible brain damage or death.

Your Role as a Community First Responder

When help is delayed, and someone shows signs of heat illness, your actions can be lifesaving. Here’s what you need to know:

Immediate Actions You Can Take

1. Recognize the Signs 

• Heat Cramps: Muscle pains, especially in legs or abdomen.

• Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, confusion, nausea, or fainting.

• Heat Stroke: High body temperature (above 103°F), confusion, rapid heartbeat, loss of consciousness, dry skin (no sweating).

2. Provide First Aid 

• For Heat Cramps: 

  • Move the person to a cooler place.

  • Gently stretch the affected muscles.

  • Offer water if they are conscious and able to swallow.

• For Heat Exhaustion: 

  • Move the person to a cooler, shaded area.

  • Have them lie down and loosen tight clothing.

  • Apply cool, damp cloths or spray with water.

  • Encourage sipping water or electrolyte drinks if they are conscious.

  • Seek medical help if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

• For Heat Stroke: 

  • Call emergency services immediately.

  • Move the person to a cooler place.

  • Lower body temperature with cool water or ice packs on the neck, armpits, and groin.

  • Do not give anything to drink if they are unconscious.

  • Monitor their breathing and consciousness until help arrives.

Protect Yourself and Others

• Stay Calm: Your calm presence can help reassure and stabilize those affected.

• Use Available Resources: Use your phone or radio to alert emergency services and inform others of the situation.

• Help Others Help Themselves: Encourage people to move to shaded or air-conditioned areas, hydrate, and rest.

How Radios Can Help

If you have an FRS, GMRS, CB, or HAM radio, use it to communicate critical information. Keep a list of emergency contacts, and share updates about your location and the condition of those affected. Radios are vital tools to coordinate until professional responders arrive.

Remember: You Are Not Alone

You may not be a trained rescue worker, but your quick actions can prevent tragedy. Stay alert, act decisively, and communicate clearly. Your community depends on ordinary citizens like you to bridge the gap until help arrives.

Final Tips

• Stay informed: Use your radio or local alerts to stay updated on current conditions.

• Speak clearly: When calling emergency services, provide precise details about the location and the situation.

• Help others: Check on neighbors, especially vulnerable individuals, and assist them if possible.

In a heat emergency, every moment counts. Your awareness and willingness to act can save lives. Be prepared, stay calm, and do what you can until professional help is there to take over.