How to Treat Heat Stroke
For people who love going out in the sun, summer is the best season to play outdoors. With the many activities to do, most of us forget to take precautions when we’re outside.
One of the conditions that you should be aware of is heat stroke. It happens when your body temperature gets abnormally high that your body is unable to adapt to the change.
Steps:
Assess the victim’s vital signs and level of consciousness. Expect temperature, heart and respiratory rate to be elevated. The patient’s skin is hot, red and dry. A victim may be agitated, confused or disoriented. He may also have hallucinations. In worse cases, the patient may experience seizure or become unconscious and slip into coma.
Call your local emergency service. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Ask for help as soon as you can.
heat stroke treatment
Move the victim into a cool area.
Loosen the patient’s clothing. This is done to release trapped heat and cool the patient’s body.
Perform the ABC’s of first aid. Check for open airway, rate and depth of breathing. If the patient is unconscious and not breathing, do CPR, otherwise, raise his legs to promote better circulation.
Cool the victim. Lowering the patient’s body temperature is very important in any heat-related condition.
Spray cool water or immerse the victim in a tub if possible.
Fan the patient.
Put ice packs or a cool cloth on areas where heat usually accumulate, like armpits, head, back of the neck and groin.
Let the patient drink. If he is conscious enough, let him take sips of water. Instruct the patient to drink slowly. You may also offer him oral rehydration solutions. This will give him electrolytes and other nutrients he needs to prevent further dehydration.
Monitor the patient. Keep track of the changes happening to the victim. This is important for the medical team to be able to give the proper treatment once they arrive.
What you should know:
Other heat related conditions are heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
People at risk of heat stroke are infants, athletes, elderlies and those working outdoors for long hours. Thyroid imbalance may also cause this condition.
Always follow universal precautions when giving aid to a victim. Remember to also keep yourself away from harm.
Decreasing the patient’s body temperature and hydration are essential.
You have to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat stroke, especially on hot days. This will help you give attention immediately to people who may be suffering from one. Here are some of the things you need to take note of:
Does the patient have high body temperature? How about a flushed and dry skin?
Is he demonstrating a strange behavior or is restless or confused?
Can the patient breathe properly?
Does he have rapid pulse?
To prevent heat stroke, wear lightweight and loose clothing. Try not to go outdoors on hot days.
Your body needs water, electrolytes and nutrients, especially during and after a strenuous activity under the sun. Have a healthy diet and replace lost fluids and electrolytes by drinking lots of water and other rehydrating drinks.
Avoid drinking coffee, tea and alcohol. These may lead to dehydration.
Heat stroke is very common during the summer. Dress comfortably and keep yourself hydrated when going out.