Heat Stroke (sunstroke)
It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature by sweating as in the following conditions. It can prove to be dangerous.
- Very high environmental temperature.
- Prolonged confinement in hot atmosphere.
- Consumption of alcohol.
- Illness like malaria.
The condition is diagnosed by the following features.
- There are restlessness, headache, dizziness, and discomfort.
- The skin is hot, flushed, and dry.
- The pulse is bounding.
- The body temperature is 40 c or higher.
- Breathing is noisy.
- Muscular cramps may occur.
- The victim may become unconscious.
First Aid
- Move the victim in the cool place. Place him in half sitting position with head and shoulder supported if he is conscious and in recovery position if he is unconscious.
- Remove him clothing.
- Sprinkle cold water on his body or wrap him in a thin wet sheet. Start a fan to cool his body.
- Apply ice cap with ice pieces over the head and neck.
- A cold water enema can be given.
- Record his body temperature every ten minutes. Do not let it fall below 120 F. At that stage wrap him in a dry sheet and keep the fan on so that the temperature does not rise again.
- Give him cool water to drink to maintain his hydration.
- Shift him to a hospital if he does not respond to treatment.
