The body has its own cooling
system that can fail as a result of overexertion
that can lead to a heatstroke. Heat stroke
can result from a hot, humid environment even
if you are indoors. Under such conditions,
it is very important to drink non-alcoholic
liquids before, during and after strenuous
activities in the heat.
Symptoms
of heat stroke may include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
and feeling of faintness
- Abdominal
discomfort
- Dry,
hot, red skin
- Increased
pulse rate (over 110 per minute)
- Rapid
then weak pulse rate
- Body
temperature of 104°F or higher
- No
sweating
- Rapid
breathing
- Delirium
or unconsciousness may result
If someone exhibits signs
of a heatstroke:
- Call 911 at once
- Move them to a cool area
- Have
them lie on his/her back
- Loosen
all tight clothing
- Repeatedly
sponge the skin with cool water or rubbing
alcohol; apply cold packs continuously;
or place them in a tub of cold water (do
not add ice) until their temperature has
been reduced sufficiently (below 102°F).
Then dry the person off.
- Fans
or air conditioning should be used as
a cooling mechanism.
- If
the temperature begins to rise again,
repeat the cooling process.
- Heatstroke sufferers
should always receive medical attention.
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