Heatstroke
Download audio tip
- Heat Stroke
- aac
- real
To download the audio file, press the right hand mouse button and choose 'Save Target As...' whilst over the icon.
Introduction
This condition is caused by a failure in the
thermostat in the brain. This regulates the body
temperature. The body then becomes dangerously
overheated usually due to a high fever or
prolonged exposure to heat.
Heatstroke can also result form the use of drugs such as
ecstasy.
In some cases heatstroke follows heat exhaustion when
sweating ceases and the body then cannot be cooled
by the evaporation of sweat. Heatstroke can develop with very
little warning, causing unconsciousness within
minutes of the casualty feeling unwell.
Recognition
Recognition features may include:
- Headache.
- Dizziness and discomfort.
- Restlessness and confusion.
- Hot flushed and dry skin.
- A rapid deterioration in the level of response.
- A full bounding pulse.
- A body temperature above 40 degrees celsius or 104 degrees
fahrenheit.
Treatment
Your aims are to lower the casualty’s body temperature as
quickly as possible and arrange urgent removal to hospital.
- You need to quickly move the casualty to a cool place and
remove as much of the outer clothing as possible.
- Dial 999 or 112 for an ambulance.
- Wrap the casualty in a cold wet sheet and keep the sheet wet
until the temperature falls to 38 degrees celsius, or 100.4 degrees
fahrenheit, under the tongue or under the armpit.
- If no sheet is available, fan the casualty or sponge them down
with cold water. Once the casualty’s temperature appears to have
returned to normal replace the wet sheet with a dry one.
- Always monitor and record the vital signs, the level of
response, pulse and breathing rate until help arrives.
- If the temperature starts to rise again repeat the cooling
process.
- Caution though, if the casualty becomes unconscious open the
airway and check breathing and be prepared to give rescue breaths
and chest compressions if necessary, or if the casualty is
unconscious but breathing normally place them into the recovery
position, please refer to the relevant tips.
Related topics
Please note:
These hints are no substitute for thorough knowledge of first
aid! St John Ambulance holds first aid
courses throughout the country.