Heatstroke

Symptoms and signs

Headache, weakness, irritability and confusion are warnings. Then the person may develop.

• hot, red, dry skin, with little or no sweating
• very high temperature (40°C or higher)
• pounding, rapid pulse
• loss of consciousness.

First aid treatment

1. If the person is unconscious, place in the lateral position, check the airway, breathing and pulse and begin expired air resuscitation (EAR) or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary.
2. If the person is conscious, move to a cool place and loosen or remove clothing.
3. Seek medical aid immediately. While waiting for help to arrive, cool the person by applying cold compresses to the neck, armpits and groins, and then wrap a cool, wet sheet around his or her body. Fanning to increase the rate of cooling is recommended.