Heat Stroke
By Tram Hoang
Heat stroke is a condition when the body fails to regulate or control its temperature through sweating, increase blood flow to the skin, and exhalation of warm air. Heat stroke can be fatal without appropriate medical attention.
The symptoms may varies, however these are the common symptoms:
· Red, flush skin (dry skin) and they do not sweat
· High body temperature – above the range of 103 – 106 ˚F
· Headache
· Rapid pulse
· Dizziness
· Nausea
· Confusion
· Unconsciousness
Any of the above symptoms occurs; it may be life-threatening. We should call 911 or immediate assistant. While we were waiting, we can help the patient be more comfortable.
· Get the patient to a cool room or shady area
· Cool the patient with ice patches, place them in cool shower, bath, fan the patient, etc.
· Checking the temperature until it drops below 102 ˚F
· Call a hospital emergency for further instruction if there were a delay in medical emergency
· Wear loose, light weight, light color clothes
· Avoid vigorous activities on hot and humid day
· To exercise in the heat, we should choose to do during a cooler time in the morning or evening; and we should start with short workouts and increase gradually over a two week course.
· Drink plenty of water (8 or more glasses of water for a normal day, and double that for the hot and humid day) and limit soda and coffee
“Heat Stroke.” Citizens Development Corps. Accessing date: September 1st, 2003. http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/extremeheat/heatstroke.htm
“Beat the Heat (Preventinging Heat Stroke).” Healthy Lifestyle. Acesssing date: September 1st, 2003. http://www.med.umich.edu/primry/life18.htm
“Heat Stroke Prevention.” Accessing date: September 1st, 2003 www.allsands.com/Misc2/heatstrokeprev_ubm_gn.htm.