1. Understand the Severity of Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. It can be life-threatening, especially to infants or the elderly.
2. Know the Signs of the Less-Deadly Heat Exhaustion
Heat-related conditions exist along a continuum, with heat stroke being the most serious. To prevent heat stroke, it's essential to identify heat exhaustion, which is a precursor to heat stroke. The signs of heat exhaustion include excessive sweating, paleness and/or clamminess of the skin, fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fainting and/or headache. If you or someone with you exhibits these signs, you need to act quickly in order to avoid heat exhaustion before it turns into heat stroke.
3. Know When You've Reached Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is notable because the sweating and paleness of heat exhaustion are replaced by a complete lack of sweating and an overall redness of the skin. At this point, the body has lost all ability to cool itself. You may also experience or witness a more severe headache, a strong, rapid pulse, confusion, nausea and ultimately, unconsciousness.
4. Act Before You Reach Heat Stroke
If you find yourself suffering from heat exhaustion, move quickly to an air-conditioned area to prevent heat stroke. If air conditioning is not available, a shady area with access to cool fluids is the next best thing. It's critical to cool the body as rapidly and effectively as possible. Avoid alcoholic beverages and drink water or a sports drink with electrolytes instead. If you've been exerting yourself, it's absolutely vital that you stop in order to let your body catch up and cool itself.
5. Call for Emergency Medical Help if the Condition Is Headed Toward Heat Stroke
If you or someone with you is experiencing nausea, vomiting, redness of the skin, cramping and is no longer sweating, you must call 911, particularly if the person is a small child or an elderly adult. If air conditioning is not immediately available or the available fluids are not sufficient, you may not be able to cool yourself or the affected party quickly enough to prevent the body from going into heat stroke. At this point, the body's temperature can rise to a dangerous level well over 104 degrees Fahrenheit within 10 to 15 minutes. Call 911 and take the immediate measures mentioned here while you wait for help to arrive.
