How to Save the Life of a Person Suffering Heat Stroke

Preparatory Comments: During the spring and summer months, heat stroke is a major problem for many people, especially children and the elderly. The condition is a serious medical emergency and should not be confused with heat exhaustion or any other heat-related illness. Heat stroke may develop from: • Lack of proper hydration • Wearing unseasonable clothing • Decreased heat loss due to increased humidity • Use of drugs
Unlike other heat-related illnesses, sweat glands do not produce sweat during heat stroke, making the skin dry and impairing the body’s ability to cool itself. The body temperature sores to over 100 °F (38 °C).
Equipment: In the process of treating the victim, one will need to obtain water or ice for cooling purposes. Ice might not be available in an outdoor situation but a source of water is probably close by. Also, water can be carried around in water bottles.
Caution: • Medical attention should be sought immediately. • Even if symptoms subside, damage may have been incurred during an episode. Brain damage can be reduced if the condition is quickly treated.
These directions assume the reader is assisting one suffering with heat stroke.

Steps

1. 
   1
   Be aware of symptoms that precede a heatstroke, which are headache and fatigue.
2. 
   2
   Heat stroke can occur suddenly. Look for symptoms of dizziness, confusion, and nausea. The victim might become unconscious.
3. 
   3
   Place your hand on the victim’s skin to see if the is dry and hot.
4. 
   4
   Take the victim’s pulse and check for a rapid rate. This can be done by placing your index finger above the radial artery, located on the palm side of the wrist and just under the thumb.
5. 
   5
   Move the victim to a cool and shaded place. If impossible, treat at the location.
6. 
   6
   Put ice on the body areas with major arteries such as the neck, armpits and groin to help cool the victim.
7. 
   7
   If shivering occurs, slow down cooling process. Shivering raises the core temperature.
8. 
   8
   Cover the victim with a sheet soaked with water to cool the victim’s body.Wetting clothing with tepid water may also be helpful.
9. 
   9
   Seek medical assistance immediately.

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Written by Aqib

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