Len Dubois Trucking is a family run trucking company located in Winnipeg, Manitoba that is dedicated to the health and well being of our fleet. Follow us on Facebook & Twitter for updates, info, trucking pictures, and more!

If you’re a Winnipeg truck driver, you’re quite used to extreme temperatures. Preparing for winter travel is easy because you’ve been doing it since you were a child. Dealing with -40 degree weather is almost second nature, seeing as we have to deal with it for seven months of the year, but dealing with extreme heat is something you are probably not prepared for.

It’s one thing to travel to Texas during December and phone home while slipping a Slurpee just to brag about the nice weather, but it’s a completely different thing to head down there in the summer months. There isn’t much bragging going on when you feel like you’re about the melt.

Scorching heat can be deadly, so it’s important to know the signs of heat exhaustion, stay cool, and take preventative measures. The risk of Heat Exhaustion is more prevalent when the relative humidity is over 60% or temperatures are 90 degrees or above, that’s 32 degrees for us ‘Peggers.

Children and people the age of 65 are at a higher risk, but that doesn’t mean it can’t affect everyone. Also, certain medications can cause Heat Exhaustion to present more readily, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about this if you’re on any medications.

Take Preventative Measures

The best way to avoid Heat Exhaustion is to take some preventative measures, especially if you’re going to be outside for prolonged periods, or it’s just so hot that not even the air conditioner can keep up with the heat.

  • Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Wear sunscreen.
  • Drink plenty of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Keep a cool wet towel in your fridge and wrap it around your neck to help cool you off.

Know the Signs

Heat exhaustion can quickly turn into a heat stroke, which can cause permanent brain damage, so it’s important to know the signs of heat exhaustion.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion Include:

  • Confusion
  • Fainting
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea
  • Pale Skin
  • Profuse Sweating
  • Rapid Heartbeat

Take Immediate Action

If you begin to show any of the above symptoms it’s time to take action. Treatment for Heat Exhaustion include:

  • Drink plenty of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Remove any tight or unnecessary clothing.
  • Take a cool shower or bath.
  • Use fans, or seek out some air conditioning.
  • Apply ice packs or cool towels to your body.

If cooling measures fail to provide relief, seek medical attention immediately.

Image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net