06/25/2022
The temperatures are are rising and we are seeing more three digit days then two. With high temps also comes the possibility of suffering from a heat stroke episode.
This is very serious medical episode and can turn a good day into a bad day very quickly. And although local media do a fantastic job in reminding people each season to be vigilant of friends, and family.
Here is the thing, if your body gets overheated, and you have been out in the sun working or even swimming, here is what you can do to help until first responders arrive.
DO THESE THINGS: Treatment tips until medical help arrives
OUT DOORS
- If you think someone is suffering from heat stroke CALL 911 STRAIGHT AWAY !
- get the patient to lay down on their back
- If you are outside and can't get in doors- take the patients shirt off, long pants if they are wearing them, place them in the shade. If there is no trees, or shade avail, use the shirt to keep the sun off the patients head and chest.
- GRAB A TOWEL OR SHIRT OR ANY KIND OF CLOTH, wet it down with room temperature water, or tap water and drench it until it is soaking. Wring it out, but not all the way- PLACE WET "TOWEL" ON BACK OF PATIENTS NECK AND SHOULDERS
- DO NOT GIVE PATIENT COLD OR ICE WATER
- If you can get a Gatorade, or Powerade, or Pedialyte and let them sip on it at room temp.
- If water is all you have, sip room temperature water
- Watch the patient closely, if they look like they are going to vomit, stretch one arm up above their head, and roll their body to that side so they don't choke. Then call 911 back and advise them of the patients condition
- Monitor your patient closely for any sudden changes
INDOORS
-- If you think someone is suffering from heat stroke CALL 911 STRAIGHT AWAY !
- stripe clothes off to underwear
- If they can, jump into a shower, and gradually make the water cool.
- Stay with them, and if their body temperature DOES NOT START COOLING OFF take them out and get them under a fan or in an air conditioned room. Put LIGHT clothing on them
- If their body temperature has cooled off, take them out, get them dressed and sitting in a chair.
- IF YOU CAN NOT GET THEM TO A COOL SHOWER- stripe them down to their underwear, and get them under a fan
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- GRAB A TOWEL OR SHIRT OR ANY KIND OF CLOTH, wet it down with room temperature water, or tap water and drench it until it is soaking. Wring it out, but not all the way- PLACE WET "TOWEL" ON BACK OF PATIENTS NECK AND SHOULDERS
- DO NOT GIVE PATIENT COLD OR ICE WATER
- If you can get a Gatorade, or Powerade, or Pedialyte and let them sip on it at room temp.
- If water is all you have, sip room temperature water
- IF PATIENT IS LAYING DOWN watch them closely, if they are going to vomit or feel like they will vomit,
stretch one arm up above their head, and roll their body to that side so they don't choke. Then call 911 back and advise them of the patients condition
- Monitor your patient closely for any sudden changes
This may seem like a lot, HOWEVER these steps where required can prevent your friend, or family member or yourself from a major medical emergency.
Don't forget, these are symptoms you need to look out for :dizziness and confusion. loss of appetite and feeling sick. excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin. cramps in the arms, legs and stomach.
EVEN MORE IMPORTANT- HERE IS HOW TO HELP PREVENT HEAT STROKE
- Be sun safe, wear a hat, long sleeve cotton shirt and sunscreen
- Stay hydrated, and trade out water and electrolytes when you're drinking
- If you start feeling hot, go sit down for 30 minutes in the shade, take your shoes off and put a wet towel on the back of your neck
It's summer time and time to enjoy our great outdoors, just be sun safe and if you think you've had too much sun, call for help!
