Heat stroke (or hyperthermia) is one of the more serious ailments that occur in the summer heat and weather. A form of hyperthermia (a raised body temperature that effects both the neurological and the physical), it will make the person dehydrated and disoriented. Unless treated quickly, heat stroke can have very serious consequences.
Heat stroke typically affects the elderly, children, sports players, and those who make a living working outdoors (carpenters or builders, etc) with a higher percentage than others. Those that exert themselves in the heat of the season without proper hydration and care can find themselves in the middle of heat stroke quickly.
Heat Stroke Symptoms
Most people who get to the heat stroke stage will start to exhibit symptoms of heat exhaustion before heat stroke. Symptoms of heat exhaustion will include things like fatigue, weakness, headaches, vomiting or nausea, dizziness, and muscle aches and pains. Those that get to the heat stroke stage will show fast pulse rate, confusion and agitation, the inability to sweat, red dry skin, high body temperature, disoriented, hard of breathing and hallucinations. Those in the advanced and serious signs will show seizures and even coma.
Heat Stroke Treatment
The most immediate thing to do for those in heat stroke is to call for help and then make sure the person is out of direct sunlight and start to cool the person, with water and fanning. Check the temperature of those in suspected heat stroke, so that EMS services will know the temperature and how much it was dropped before they arrived on scene. Cooling the person is the best thing prior to the EMS services arriving on scene.
Heat Stroke Prevention
There are a few simple things that can be done to prevent heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
- Stay hydrated. Keeping hydrated with water is one of the most important preventative measures in the heat of sun and humidity of weather. Avoid caffeine or alcohol that can lead to more dehydration.
- Wear a hat and loose clothing. This will keep the body aerated and the sun off the body directly. Direct sun will dry out and remove fluids quickly.
- Watch sweat. If there is a tremendous amount of sweating going on, replenish the fluids with water and with electrolyte replenishers like some sports drinks. If there was sweat but it has stopped and yet the person is red and still very warm, heat stroke could be setting in.
Keeping cool, hydrated, and out of direct sun or heat is the easiest way to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
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