HEAT EXHAUSTION

Heat exhaustion is very similar to shock in that fluid is being lost from the body. It is most commonly occurs when a person has been exercising and not replacing fluid content: cyclists and joggers are common sufferers from the condition.

TREATMENT

1. Lay the victim down in a cool place and raise her legs.
   
   
2. If the victim is conscious give sips of a weak salt solution (one teaspoon to one liter of water).
   
   
3. Maintain a check on the victim’s consciousness level. If it deteriorates, place the victim in the recovery position and call for emergency assistance.
   
   
4. If the victim’s condition improves rapidly, advise her to see a doctor.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION

4. History of exertion
5. Pale, cold, and clammy skin
6. Fast, weak pulse
7. Fast, shallow breathing
8. Nausea
9. Dizziness and disorientation
10. Lapse into unconsciousness

HEATSTROKE

In heat stroke, the body becomes very hot quickly and this condition can be fatal. The signs and symptoms are very similar to those of stroke.

TREATMENT

1. Check airway and breathing. If unconscious, turn the victim into the recovery position. Be prepared to resuscitate if necessary.
   
   
2. If the victim is conscious, move to a cool environment (use fans, open doors, and keep crowds away).
   
   
3. Call for emergency assistance and reassure the victim if he or she is conscious.
   
   
4. Remove outer clothes and wrap the victim in a cold, wet sheet. Keep it wet. Continue the cooling process. If the body temperature drops, replace the wet sheet with a dry one.
   
   
5. Continue to monitor the victim while you wait for help.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Hot, flushed, and dry skin
• Slow, full, and bounding pulse
• Noisy breathing
• High body temperature
• Headache
• Disorientation
• Lapse into unconsciousness

SLIP SLAP SLOP

The three simple rules for prevention of sun-related problems are:

Slip into a T-shirt

Slap on a hat