Untreated Heat Stroke – A Life Threatening medical Emergency .
Heat stroke occurs when the core body
temperature rises above 40.5C and the body’s internal systems start to shut down. Normally, sweating helps to maintain a healthy body temperature by increasing heat loss through evaporation. When a person becomes dehydrated, they do not sweat as much, their blood becomes concentrated and organ functioning is impaired. Many organs in the body suffer tissue damage and the body temperature must be reduced quickly. Most people will have profound central nervous system changes such as delirium, coma and seizures. As well as effects on the nervous system, there can be liver, kidney, muscle and heart damage.
People over 65 years, particularly those living alone or without air-conditioning, babies and young children, pregnant and nursing mothers, people who are physically unwell, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, people on medications for mental illness are the most at risk for heat stroke. Overexertion in hot weather, sun or bushfire exposure, and exercising or working in hot, poorly ventilated or confined areas are at increased risk of dehydration and causes heat stroke. Exposure to radiant heat from bushfires can cause rapid dehydration and heat-related illness. Some drugs, such as ecstasy and speed, also raise the body’s temperature, while alcohol dehydrates the body. Some of the common
symptoms of heat stroke are very high body temperature, red, hot, dry skin (no sweating), dry swollen tongue, rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea and eventual unconsciousness.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency . Every minute’s delay in cooling the person increases the likelihood of permanent injury or death. Apply first aid and seek medical assistance immediately if you or someone you are with shows any sign of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. While waiting for emergency medical help, get the person to a cool shady area and lay them down. Remove clothing and wet skin with water or wrap in wet cloths, fanning continuously. Do not give the person fluids to drink. Position an unconscious person on their side and clear their airway. Monitor the body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops below 38°C. Transport the person to hospital immediately, where more intensive cooling and support can be given. Prevention is the best way to avoid heat stroke.
Suggestions for preventing heat stroke include: To correct dehydration, drinking plenty of water (6 to 8 glasses of water per day) or other cool, non-alcoholic fluids. (Check with your doctor if you are on limited fluids or fluid pills.) Avoid drinking extremely cold liquids as they can cause stomach cramps. Fruits oranges, melons, pine apple and coconut water are best nutritious refreshers. Avoid heavy exertion. Reduce physical activity and avoid vigorous exercise in hot weather. Plan the daily activities - a heavy activity must follow a lighter one to avoid fatigue. If activity is unavoidable, rest often. Whenever possible, stay indoors or in the shade. Stay cool and keep air circulating around you. Use air-conditioning if possible. (If you don’t have air-conditioning, consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping centre or public library.) Eat regular, light meals. Wear lightweight clothing. Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath. Check on older, sick and frail people who may need help coping with the heat (at least twice a day). Never leave anyone or pets in a closed parked car. If you must be out in the heat : Limit outdoor activity to morning or evening hours. Protect yourself from the sun by covering exposed skin, using sunscreen and wearing a hat. Rest regularly in the shade and drink fluids frequently.