Heat Stroke
What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is caused by the failure of the “thermostat” in the brain, and the body overheats rapidly and dangerously, leading to
unconsciousness.
What can cause heat stroke?
Being in a very hot place for a very long time, or having a high fever for a long time, can cause the “thermostat” to stop working. Heat stroke can also follow heat exhaustion.
How can you tell if someone has heat stroke?
He or she may have:
- a flushed (reddish) face in a light-skinned person
- hot, dry skin
- a strong pulse.
He or she may
- feel very hot
- complain of a headache
- be restless (not be able to relax or sit still) and confused (not know what is going on).
- He or she may quickly lose consciousness.
Your aims:
Get the body temperature down as quickly as possible.
Try to get urgent medical help.
Words you need to know
- Thermostat
- the part of the brain that works out whether the body needs to lose heat or make it
Your actions:
As always, assess D R A B and respond sa needed.
Move the casualty to a cool place as quickly as possible.
Take off as much clothing as possible.
Call for medical help.
Cool down the casualty by sponging with coolwater (NOT cold) or by covering in a wet sheet.
Fan the casualty to assist cooling.
Once the temperature appears to have returned to normal, cover the casualty in a dry sheet or other light covering and make him or her comfortable, using pillows, clothing or blankets.
Remember to keep checking the casualty’svital signs and writing down (or remembering) what you found and what you did, so that you can report this to any health worker who takes over from you.
If the temperature goes up again, repeat thecooling process.
If the casualty is unconscious, check breathing. Be prepared to give rescue breaths.
If the casualty is breathing, place him or her in the recovery position.
