1 Make victim comfortable
4 Monitor victim
2Summon help
3Cool victim
52 FIRST AID
Heatstroke
If the human body is exposed to unusually high temperatures for a prolonged period, it can become dangerously overheated. The onset of heatstroke can be sudden, and the victim may lose consciousness within minutes. The aims of first-aid treatment are to move the victim to a cool place, to reduce his temperature, and to get him to a hospital quickly.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Headache and dizziness
• Hot, flushed skin
• Poor level of response
• Rapid pulse
• Raised body temperature( over 104 ° F / 40 ° C)
TREATING HEATSTROKE
1 Make victim comfortable
• Move the victim to a cool place.
• Remove as much of his clothing as possible.
Lay him down in a cool place
4 Monitor victim
• Once the victim’ s temperature has fallen to 98.6 ° F( 37 ° C) under the tongue or 97.7 ° F( 36.5 ° C) beneath the armpit, replace the wet sheet( if used) with a dry one.
• Monitor the victim’ s condition until medical help arrives.
• If his temperature rises again, cool him down following the same procedure as before.
Remove his clothes
2Summon help
• Dial 911 or call EMS.
3Cool victim
• Drape a cold, wet sheet over the victim. Spray or sprinkle it with water to keep it wet. Alternatively, sponge him with cold or tepid water, or fan him with cold air.
• Keep cooling the victim until his temperature drops to 100 ° F( 38 ° C) under the tongue or 99 ° F( 37.4 ° C) beneath the armpit( p. 68 for an adult, p. 70 for a child or baby).
! Important
• If the victim loses consciousness, open his airway, check his breathing, and be prepared
to begin resuscitation( pp. 12 – 20).
Sponge his face and body with tepid water