FIRST TRAVEL AID FOR HEATSTROKES

Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. It is the result of long, extreme exposure to the sun, in which a person does not sweat enough to lower body temperature. The elderly, infants, persons who work outdoors and those on certain types of medications are most susceptible to heat stroke. It is a condition that develops rapidly and is a life-threatening emergency. CALL IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE!

THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!

PREVENTION:
Drink plenty of fluids during outdoor activities, especially on hot days. Water and sports drinks are the drinks of choice; avoid tea, coffee, soda and alcohol as these can lead to dehydration.
Wear lightweight, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing in light colors.
Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day.
Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses and using an umbrella.
Increase time spent outdoors gradually to get your body used to the heat.
During outdoor activities, take frequent drink breaks and mist yourself with a spray bottle to avoid becoming overheated.
Try to spend as much time indoors as possible on very hot and humid days.

SIGNS:
Headache, nausea, dizziness, red, dry, very hot skin (sweating has ceased), pulse-strong and rapid, small pupils, very high fever, may become extremely disoriented, unconsciousness and possible convulsions.

FIRST AID:
CALL IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE!
THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!
While waiting for medical assistance:
Remove victim to cooler location, out of the sun.
Loosen or remove clothing and immerse victim in tepid water if possible.
If immersion isn't possible, cool victim with tepid water, or wrap in damp sheets and fan for quick evaporation.
Use cold compresses-especially to the head and neck area, also to armpits and groin.

DO NOT underestimate the seriousness of heat illness, especially if the person is a child, elderly, or injured.

DO NOT give the person medications that are used to treat fever (such as aspirin or acetaminophen). They will not help, and they may be harmful.
DO NOT give the person salt tablets.
DO NOT give the person liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. They will interfere with the body's ability to control its internal temperature.
DO NOT use alcohol rubs on the person's skin.
DO NOT give the person anything by mouth (not even salted drinks) if the person is vomiting or is unconscious.