Heat
Related Emergencies
Heat
exhaustion occurs when your heart and vascular
system do not respond properly to high
temperatures. The symptoms of heat exhaustion
resemble shock and include faintness, rapid
heartbeat, low blood pressure, an ashen
appearance, cold clammy skin, and nausea. If
you suspect heat exhaustion, get the person
out of the sun and into a cool spot. Lay the
person down and elevate his or her feet
slightly. Loosen or remove most or all of the
person's clothing. Give the person cold (not
iced) water to drink, with a teaspoon of salt
added per quart.
The main indication of heat stroke is
a fever of 105 degrees Fahrenheit with hot,
dry skin. Other signs include rapid heartbeat,
rapid and shallow breathing, either elevated
or lowered blood pressure, and confusion or
unconsciousness. If you suspect heat stroke,
get the person out of the sun and into a cool
spot.
Cool the person by covering him or her
with damp sheets or spraying with water.
Direct air onto the person with a fan or a
newspaper, and monitor the person's
temperature with a thermometer. Stop cooling
the person when his or her temperature returns
to normal. If breathing ceases, start
mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Heat stroke is
an emergency that needs immediate medical
attention.
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DISCLAIMER:
Under no conditions responsibility is being accepted by
the authors of this site, or anyone else related to this site regarding the
consequences of use of the information distributed in this documentation in any
First Aid application.
THIS IS A TUTORIAL, HENCE A STUDY
AID, NOT A FIRST AID MANUAL.
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