Heat Exhaustion - Heat Stroke Symptoms and Treatment

Heat Exhaustion / Heat Stroke and Treatment – Things which you need to keep in mind about Heat Exhuastion and Heat Stroke and how to deal with a patient before safely transporting to the nearest hospital.

Heatstroke occurs when your body temperature rises rapidly and you’re unable to cool down. It can be life-threatening by causing damage to your brain and other vital organs. It may be caused by strenuous activity in the heat or by being in a hot place for too long.

Heatstroke can occur without any previous heat-related condition, such as heat exhaustion. Heatstroke signs and symptoms include:

Fever of 104 F (40 C) or greater
Changes in mental status or behavior, such as confusion, agitation, slurred speech
Hot, dry skin or heavy sweating
Nausea and vomiting
Flushed skin
Rapid pulse
Rapid breathing
Headache
Fainting, which may be the first sign in older adults
Normal Body core Tempreture – 37 C
Heat Exhustion – 40 C
Heat Stroke 41 C and Higher

Heat Exhaustion Symtoms

Nausea
Vomiting
fatigue
weakness
headache
muscle cramps
dizziness
Weak
Rapid pulse
Low blood pressure
Mental status normal
Behavior Normal

Heat Stroke Symptoms

Reduced level of consciousness
Irritable
High body temperature
Absence of sweating ,
hot red or flused dry skin
Rapid pulse
Difficulty in breathing
Strange behavior
Hallucinations
Confusion
Aagitation
Disorientation
Seizure and/ or Coma
Muscular pain
vomiting
mental status confused
Behavior – erratic

Treatment

Lay person down & elevate legs
Ensure normal breathing
If thirsty give water to drink
Move person to a cool ventilated area
Check for breathing pulse and circulation
If possible cover the person with ice packs or cold water to reduce the body temperature
Give water to drink
Monitor vital signs
Get person to Hospital

Call Edhi Ambulance Service 115 or Chippa 1020

Avoiding heat exhaustion and heatstroke

There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of getting heat exhaustion and heatstroke during a heatwave.

staying out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day, particularly between 11am and 3pm
if you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat
do not leave anyone in a parked car
avoid extreme physical exertion
have plenty of cold drinks, but avoid drinks that contain caffeine and alcohol
eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content
take a cool shower, bath or body wash
sprinkle water over your skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck
keep your environment cool