Heat Stroke

It is hard to imagine your body becoming so hot that it cannot function, but this is what happens to your body when you have heat stroke. Your body temperature rises so high that you cannot sweat enough to stay cool. This can be very dangerous, and you should take action to treat heat stroke immediately. Without the appropriate medical care, heat stroke may result in death.

• Symptoms of Heat Stroke
• Treatment
• Prevention

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

If you or a friend experience the symptoms listed below, tell your parent or an adult.

• Fever, or high body temperature
  
• Confusion
  
• Feeling dizzy
  
• Headaches
  
• Dry, hot skin that turns red
  
• Rapid pulse or heart rate
  
• Passing out or unconscious

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Treatment

To help someone with heat stroke:

• Tell your parent or an adult.
  
• Ask someone to call 911. Tell them you need an ambulance and describe the person's symptoms.
  
• Help the person to lie down indoors or in a shady area with his or her feet raised.
  
• Use the following methods to cool the person's body temperature:
  • Put ice packs on the armpit and groin areas
    
  • Fan him or her
    
  • Use a hose to spray him or her with water
    
  • Use a sponge soaked with cold water
• Do not give the person alcoholic drinks, such as beer or wine or caffeinated drinks, such as cola.
  
• Remove any tight or heavy clothing the person is wearing.

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Prevention

To prevent heat stroke:

• Wear light clothes in hot weather, such as t-shirts and shorts.
  
• When you are in the heat, do not be overly active and rest when feeling hot or tired.
  
• Wear a hat and sunglasses, or use an umbrella when outside in the sun.
  
• On very hot days, stay inside where it is cool.
  
• Drink plenty of water (physicians recommend eight 8 oz glasses).
  
• Drink extra water when you are active outside, especially on hot days.

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