Untitled Document

Quick Reference Guide for Heatstroke or Sunstroke

Headache, nausea, dizziness
Red, dry, very hot skin (sweating has ceased)
Pulse-strong & rapid
Small pupils
Very high fever
May become extremely disoriented
Unconsciousness and possible convulsions

First Aid for Heatstroke or Sunstroke

HEATSROKE IS LIFE THREATENING!
Remove victim to cooler location, out of the sun
Loosen or remove clothing and immerse victim in very cool water if possible
If immersion isn't possible, cool victim with water, or wrap in wet sheets and fan for quick evaporation
Use cold compresses-especially to the head & neck area, also to armpits and groin
Seek medical attention immediately--continue first aid to lower temp. Until medical help takes over
Do NOT give any medication to lower fever--it will not be effective and may cause further harm
Do NOT use an alcohol rub
It is not advisable to give the victim anything by mouth (even water) until the condition has been stabilized.

The underlying cause of heat stroke is connected to the sometimes-sudden inability to dissipate body heat through perspiration, especially after strenuous physical activity.

This accounts for the excessive rise in body temperature and it is the high fever, which can cause permanent damage to internal organs, and can result in death if not treated immediately. Recovery depends on heat duration and intensity. The goal of emergency treatment is to maintain circulation and lower body temperature as quickly as possible.

The danger of dehydration and heat stroke:
Dehydration and heat stroke are two very common heat-related diseases that can be life-threatening if left untreated.

What is dehydration?
Dehydration can be a serious heat-related disease, as well as being a dangerous side-effect of diarrhoea, vomiting and fever. Children and persons over the age of 60 are particularly susceptible to dehydration.

What causes dehydration?
Under normal conditions, we all lose body water daily through sweat, tears, urine and stool. In a healthy person, this water is replaced by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water. When a person becomes so sick with fever, diarrhoea, or vomiting or if an individual is overexposed to the sun, dehydration occurs. This is caused when the body loses water content and essential body salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium bicarbonate and phosphate.

Occasionally, dehydration can be caused by drugs, such as diuretics, which deplete body fluids and electrolytes. Whatever the cause, dehydration should be treated as soon as possible.

What are the symptoms of dehydration?
The following are the most common symptoms of dehydration, although each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

Treatment for dehydration:
If caught early, dehydration can often be treated at home under a physician's guidance. In children, directions for giving food and fluids will differ according to the cause of the dehydration, so it is important to consult your pediatrician.

In cases of mild dehydration, simple rehydration is recommended by drinking fluids. Many sports drinks on the market effectively restore body fluids, electrolytes, and salt balance.

For moderate dehydration, intravenous fluids may be required, although if caught early enough, simple rehydration may be effective. Cases of serious dehydration should be treated as a medical emergency, and hospitalization, along with intravenous fluids, is necessary. Immediate action should be taken.

How can dehydration be prevented?
Take precautionary measures to avoid the harmful effects of dehydration, including:

A person suffering from heat stroke displays some classic symptoms which make identification easy; enabling quick and appropriate medical attention to reach the person in time.

Heat Stroke is a medical emergency, and the most severe form of heat related illness. Anyone exhibiting the signs and symptoms of Heat Stroke should be rushed to the nearest hospital or clinic. Unlike other forms of heat illness, Heat Stroke does not have to be caused by exercise or exertion. High temperatures, lack of body fluids and overexposure to the elements can all bring about Heat Stroke. The very young and old are especially susceptible to the hazards of this heat related illness.

What are the symptoms of heat stroke?
The following are the most common symptoms of heat stroke, although each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

When the body overheats, it can go into crisis. Usually we sweat when we're hot, but when someone has heat stroke, there is no sweat, and the skin is very dry and hot. Other symptoms include strong, fast pulse, high temperature 37ºC to 40ºC (106deg.--112deg.F), and confused, strange, or angry behaviour. The person may feel chilled, nauseated, or dizzy, and soon becomes unconscious.

If these are observed then it is necessary that the patient be treated immediately to avoid a full fledged case of heat stroke.

The first sign to look for in a victim of Heat Stroke is red, flushed skin. People, who are suffering Heat Stroke, do not sweat, so it is critical that they receive emergency care immediately to relieve their body of heat.

How is heat stroke treated?
It is important for the person to be treated immediately as heat stroke can cause permanent damage or death. There are some immediate first aid measures you can take while waiting for help to arrive.

Intravenous fluids are often necessary to compensate for fluid or electrolyte loss. Bed rest is generally advised and body temperature may fluctuate abnormally for weeks after heat stroke

How can heat stroke be prevented?
There are precautions that can help protect you against the adverse effects of heat stroke. These include:

It is possible to avoid suffering the ill effects of heat related disorders by taking a few simple precautions. Apart from the above, a person suffering from heat stroke will display the following symptoms:

At times it has been reported that colleagues who are unaware of heat stroke and its symptoms may think that the victim is upset, intoxicated or just "acting strangely" and fail to call for help. This can have devastating consequences on the victim, as it is vital that proper care reach him in time.

Even if proper care is taken many people still run the risk of suffering from heat stroke. In case someone near you suffers from a heat stroke then the following are some first aid steps that can be implemented until medical help arrives.

Prevention is better than cure. This holds true for heat stroke and every individual can take certain precautions to ensure that they are protected from the adverse effects of heat stroke.

* If you have a chronic medical problem please tell your affinity group about it. *

Before going to the protest, consult your doctor about whether any of the medications you are currently taking will put you at greater risk. If so, think about filling a different role than front line protestor. There are lots of important places for support people, contact the welcome centre for more details.

If you do need medication, MAKE SURE IT HAS YOUR NAME ON IT. The Kops are very suspicious of anything they cannot quickly identify. If you do get arrested and want to keep receiving your medication, you must indicate what the medication is as well as who and what it’s for. Let the medical monitor in your affinity group know that you are currently taking medication and be very specific as to how often you need to receive it and where they can find it in the case of an emergency. This applies to everyone taking any form of medication.

Preventive measures for protestors who spend time in the sun

These are some measures that can be taken to ensure your safety and the safety of your group. However if a person is experiencing heat stroke they must get immediate medical attention because it is an emergency.

First Aid For Heat Stroke

When it comes to heat, your body is like a car. If either one overheats, it can cause minor or major problems. But knowing what to do can help your body (or your car for that matter) to keep running. When a person has heat stroke, it's like a car running with almost all the water boiled out of the radiator. It's very serious, and can lead suddenly and without warning to a complete breakdown.

Losing Your Cool

As you move, your body heats up. Your body keeps cool by sending blood close to your skin, and by sweating. When the temperature is above 25ºC, when the humidity is high, or when the sun is beating down on your head, it's difficult to stay cool. When they are in extreme heat, people can suffer heat cramps and exhaustion. These are unpleasant and can be somewhat serious. But, if they suffer heat stroke, they run the risk of brain damage and even death.

http://www.allsands.com/Misc2/heatstrokeprev_ubm_gn.htm

Act Immediately

Avoid Heat Stroke

If you know you'll be exposed to greater heat or humidity than normal, take several days to get used to it by spending time in similar conditions. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of cool water. Even when you're not thirsty, your body is losing fluid that needs to be replaced. Alcohol makes it harder for your body to keep cool, so avoid alcohol when you do hard work in hot weather.

bodyOffer(3012) It’s important to note the differences between the three main heat related illnesses. While heat cramps can be uncomfortable, they are not life threatening. Heat stroke, on the other hand, needs immediate medical attention.

Heat cramps are caused by muscle contractions in both the gastronomies or hamstring area (back of calves). Feeling most like a severe muscle pull, heat cramps are forceful and painful. Heat cramps are associated with lack of fluids, high temperatures and lack of physical conditioning. Heat cramps, while painful, are not life threatening. Ignoring heat cramps however, can bring about the progression of other, more serious heat related illnesses. Heat cramps can be treated with water, cool air and rest.

This condition is exactly what it sounds like: severe exhaustion caused by extreme body heat. Excessive heat and dehydration can cause the body to overreact, thus raising your body temperature to over 102-degrees. Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion include paleness, nausea, extreme fatigue, dizziness, light-headedness, and vomiting, fainting and cool, clammy skin. Heat Exhaustion is a serious illness and should be carefully monitored. Cool, shady environments, liquids, cool rags placed on various areas of the body and replacement of electrolytes (such as those found in sports drinks) are used to treat this condition. If body temperature remains elevated even after treatment, it's best to consult your doctor for further information and instruction.

The easiest way to avoid Heat Stroke and other heat disorders is to keep your body well hydrated. This means drinking plenty of water before, during and after exposure to the elements. Sports drinks are a good choice if you’re exercising or working in hot conditions, but water works fine, too.

Staying in a place where there is plenty of airspace which will help allow your body to naturally cool itself. Sitting in a shaded, wide-open area will help your body rid itself of heat through sweating. If you're indoors, always-open windows, use a fan, central air or air conditioning during excessively hot days.

What you wear can play a big factor in how your body will handle the heat. Light coloured, loose fitting clothing will aid your body in breathing and cooling itself down naturally. Tight clothing restricts such a process and dark colours absorb the sun’s light and heat. It’s okay to wear a hat to shield yourself from the sun, but once you feel yourself getting warm, it’s best to remove any items that are covering your head. Continuing to wear head garments will only keep more heat trapped inside of your body.

Watching how much activity you’re participating in during hot days is also important. Don’t overdue it. Heat Stroke can begin in less than an hour. If you feel yourself getting warm or light-headed, it’s best to take a time out from the demo and rest in the shade.

Heat related illnesses are preventable. Like many sicknesses, it's easier to take steps against Heat Stroke than it is to treat it. Most medics recommend consuming eight or more glasses of water a day during normal weather conditions and twice that during high heat periods.