Heat Stroke
As the temperatures are soaring so are the number or people getting a heat stroke. The CDC website has an in depth review of heat stroke. Here are some of the salient features:-
Prevention:
2. Replace salt & minerals (non-alcoholic drinks, e.g. sports beverages)
3. Protect yourself from the sun by appropriate clothing and sunscreen
4. Limit outdoor activity when it is very hot as in afternoons
5. If you really need to go out in the heat, start walking slowly and then pick up speed (don’t start walking at a fast pace in order to reach a shelter that is far)
6. Stay cool indoors
7. Avoid hot food
8. Don’t leave children in cars
Recognizing Heat Stroke:
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness
What to Do:
If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:
2. Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
3. Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
5. Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
6. Sometimes a victim’s muscles will begin to twitch uncontrollably as a result of heat stroke. If this happens, keep the victim from injuring himself, but do not place any object in the mouth and do not give fluids. If there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turning the victim on his or her side.
There are other forms of heat related illness such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps, sunburn and heat rashes. However it is important to realize that if heat stroke is not treated immediately, it may be fatal.
Reference - CDC
Technorati Tags: Medicine, Heat Stroke, Treatment, Prevention
Powered by MightyAdsense
