Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Heat stroke occurs when your body overheats due to exposure to the elements, physical exertion or as consequence of alcohol or drug misuse. The main indicator for heat stroke is a body temperature in excess of 40⁰C.

Signs and Symptoms

• Feeling hot, exhausted, weak and fatigued
• Persistent headaches, thirst, nausea, giddy and faint, flushed and dry skin
• Rapid breathing and shortness of breath, a weak, rapid pulse, clammy skin
• Irritability and mental confusion, progressing to seizure and unconsciousness.

WHAT TO DO:

As always, check for any danger to yourself, or the casualty.

If the patient is unconscious, call triple zero (000) immediately.

If the patient is not breathing, begin CPR.

If the patient seems to be suffering from heat exhaustion, lie the patient down in a cool area out of the sun. Loosen tight clothing, sponge with cool water, give fluids if patient fully conscious and coherent. If the patient vomits, or doesn’t feel better quickly, seek medical aid.

If you suspect the patient may have heat stroke, being irritability and incoherence, high body temp over 40^oC. As with heat exhaustion, lie the patient down in a cool area, apply ice packs to the neck, groin and armpits, cover the patient with a damp sheet or towel. Call an ambulance. If the patient can swallow and is aware of their surroundings enough, give small amounts of water.

Heat stroke can be life threatening; your internal organs, brain, heart and kidneys can quickly become irreversibly damaged. Keep an eye on each other, know your limits and be sensible.

For the full copy of the fact sheet, visit.

https://www.stjohnnsw.com.au/first-aid-facts/

If you are interested in becoming a St John volunteer or, for more information, please email norfolk.isalnd@stjohnnsw.com.au or james.garden@stjohnnsw.com.au