Heatstroke OR Sunstroke
Heatstroke (sunstroke)' is the most serious of the heat ailments, carrying a mortality rate of almost 50 percent. It often strikes the elderly and people addicted to alcohol. It may be brought on by physical exertion and is more prone to occur when the humidity is high. Direct exposure to the sun is not a necessary factor.
Heatstroke involves a failure of the body's heat-regulating mechanism. Conditions of extreme heat and humidity overwhelm the brain's heat controls. Sweating ceases and internal body temperature rises to dangerous levels as high as 1060F. (410 C.) or higher. Other symptoms are collapse and a flushed, dry skin which feels hot to the touch. Early in the course of the condition, the flushed, red skin is the most important indication of heatstroke.
Later, however, if blood circulation is reduced, the color of the face may become deathly gray. Medical aid should be secured at once. While waiting for doctor or ambulance, effort should be made to reduce the victim's body temperature before permanent damage is done.
WHAT TO DO
1. Remove the victim's clothing and place him in a tub of very cold water (with ice if possible). If a tub is not available, sprinkle his body with water and fan his skin. An ice-water enema may be helpful.
2. Massage arms and legs to assist circulation of the blood. Massage strokes should be toward the victim's trunk.
3. Check the internal body temperature at frequent intervals (by a thermometer under the tongue) and note the progress made in reducing the temperature. By the time the body temperature lowers to 100° F. (38° C.) the ice water bath or ice-water enema may be discontinued. Continue, however, to check the victim's temperature; if it rises again, resume the more drastic measures.
4. If hospital facilities are available, salt solution should be administered by vein.
5. Allow for a prolonged period of recovery, under medical care.
