First Aid Treatment for Heat Stroke

Emergency Care for Brain Stroke: Treatment Methods and Early Recovery

Heat stroke is a serious condition in which the body becomes so hot that it cannot cool itself. Usually, it occurs in hot weather or after a hard workout in the heat. If not treated quickly, the body temperature can begin to rise very soon, causing confusion, unconsciousness or even death.

What is Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke happens when body temperature increases rapidly, especially in a hot environment. In addition, it causes damage to your brain along with other internal organs. This stroke often happens as a form of mild heat-related illness that includes heat syncope (fainting), heat cramps and exhaustion. Most importantly, heat stroke can occur without major signs of heat injury beforehand. Loss of consciousness and a high body temperature are the most common signs of heat stroke.

Heat stroke is also commonly known as sunstroke. It is one of the most serious heat injuries which calls for medical attention. If you find yourself or someone else under heat stroke, dial 108 immediately. 

What are the Symptoms of Heat Stroke?

The primary symptom of heat stroke is a body temperature of 104° F or more. Some other symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Throbbing headache
• Lack of sweating, irrespective of the heat, or excessive sweating
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Weakness in muscles or cramps
• Skin flushing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Breathing rapidly
• Behavioural changes that include disorientation, confusion and staggering

First Aid for Heat Stroke

If you find yourself or someone else experiencing symptoms of heatstroke, cool down the body temperature while waiting for medical aid in an emergency. In this situation, you can try:

• Transferring heat into any air-conditioned room or shaded area
• Take a bath in ice water or cold water and immerse your body
• Remove excess clothing from your body
• If immersing in cold water is not possible, apply cold compresses to the back of your neck, armpits and forehead.
• If you remain conscious and can hold down fluid, drink cold water or go for chewing ice chips

Once you start feeling better following these steps, go for medical treatment and diagnosis.

Medical Diagnosis and Treatment of Heat Stroke

Heatstroke can be diagnosed through a physical examination and assessment of symptoms beforehand. Your body temperature will be closely monitored with a thermometer if the doctor suspects heatstroke. Once diagnosed, your body will receive the necessary medical treatment to lower your body temperature. Your healthcare professional might follow several techniques for reducing your body temperature, including:

• Evaporative cooling, which includes misted water and blown air
• Immersion in cold water
• Ice packs
• Cooling blankets
• Cooled-down intravenous fluids
• Cold water lavage (catheters with cold water are further inserted into the throat or rectum)

Cooling down the body is important to reduce the risk of complications from heatstroke, such as brain, heart or kidney damage. During the cooling process, your body temperature will be closely monitored for hypothermia.

If needed, muscle relaxers will also be provided to stop shivering. If the shivering is uncontrollable, body temperature might increase and should be avoided. If required, medications will also be provided. To treat dehydration, your body might also receive IV fluids.

Once stabilised, your doctor might prescribe tests to determine if there is internal damage to your muscles or internal organs. These tests include:

• Electrocardiogram
• Imaging tests such as X-rays
• Muscle functioning tests
• Blood tests for measuring levels of sodium and potassium
• Urine tests to examine the functioning of the kidneys

First aid for heat stroke creates a major difference when you seek medical help. To lower their body temperature, move the person to a cooler place, and if they are awake, use cold water or ice packs and give fluids (if they are awake).

Emergency services should always be called out, as heat stroke is a medical emergency. By learning these few steps, you can act quickly and confidently when an emergency happens, saving the person’s life and making them safe.