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Heat Stroke (Causes, Effects & Prevention)


Pankaj Kumar Ray
OH&S Team North

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ACC Limited
Heat Stroke April2014
Heat stroke Is the most serious form of heat injury and is a medical emergency. If
you suspect that someone has heat stroke; you should Shift the victim immediately
nearest Hospital and render first aid until paramedics arrive. Heat stroke results from
prolonged exposure to high temperatures, usually in combination with dehydration,
which leads to failure of the body's temperature control system. The medical definition
of heat stroke is a core body temperature greater than 105F with complications
involving the central nervous system that occur after exposure to high temperatures.


What is Heat Stroke?
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Heat Stroke April2014
Symptoms of Heat Stroke.





The hallmark symptom of heat stroke is a core body temperature
above 105F But fainting may be the first sign.

Other symptoms may include:
Throbbing headache
Dizziness and light-headedness
Lack of sweating despite the heat
Red, hot, and dry skin
Muscle weakness or cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak
Rapid, shallow breathing
Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering
Seizures
Unconsciousness

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Heat Stroke April2014
Prevention From Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is predictable and preventable. Take these steps to prevent heatstroke during hot weather:


Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing. Wearing excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly won't
allow your body to cool properly.
Wear light-colored clothing if you're in the sun. Dark clothing absorbs heat. Light-colored clothing
can help keep you cool by reflecting the sun's rays.
Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body
temperature.
Take extra precautions with certain medications. Be on the lookout for heat-related problems if you
take medications that can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.
Never leave children or anyone else in a parked car. This is a common cause of heat-related deaths
in children. When parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F (more than 6.7
C) in just 10 minutes. It's not safe to leave a person inside a parked car in hot weather for any period
of time, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in the shade. When your car is parked, keep it
locked to prevent a child from getting inside.
Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. If you can't avoid strenuous activity in hot weather,
follow the same precautions and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical
labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening. Taking breaks and replenishing
your fluids during that time will help your body regulate your temperature.
Get acclimatized. Limit the amount you spend working or exercising in the heat until you're
conditioned to it. People who are not used to hot weather are especially susceptible to heat-related
illness, including heatstroke. It can take several weeks for your body to adjust to hot weather.
Be cautious if you're at increased risk. If you take medications or have a physical condition that
increases your risk of heat-related problems, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of
overheating. If you participate in a strenuous sporting event or activity in hot weather, make sure
there are medical services at the event in case a heat emergency arises.

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ACC Limited
Heat Stroke April2014
First Aid For Heat Stroke






If you suspect that someone has a heat stroke, immediately shift
the person to nearest hospital. Any delay seeking medical help can
be fatal.
While waiting for the paramedics to arrive, initiate first aid. Move the person to an
air-conditioned environment or at least a cool, shady area -- and remove any
unnecessary clothing.

If possible, take the person's core body temperature and initiate first aid to cool it to
101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. If no thermometers are available, don't hesitate to
initiate first aid.
You may also try these cooling strategies:
Fan air over the patient while wetting his or her skin with water from a sponge or
garden hose.
Apply ice packs to the patient's armpits, groin, neck, and back. Because these
areas are rich with blood vessels close to the skin, cooling them may reduce body
temperature.
Immerse the patient in a shower or tub of cool water, or an ice bath.
If emergency response is delayed, call the hospital emergency room for additional
instructions.
After you've recovered from heat stroke, you'll probably be more sensitive to high
temperatures during the following week. So it's best to avoid hot weather and heavy
exercise until your doctor tells you that it's safe to resume your normal activities.
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