High temperature, especially in combination with high humidity, can lead the body to overheat. When kids are enjoying the outdoors, a little sun can go a long way. Little bodies can easily overheat, particularly when there is little air circulation, leading to sunstroke or heatstroke. Symptoms of sunstroke include hot, dry skin; a rapid pulse; headache; and exhaustion. A parent whose child is suffering from sunstroke should call 911, but treatment can begin before the paramedics arrive.
Move Out of the Heat
Move a child with sunstroke out of the sun. The child should be brought into the shade or better yet, in a place with air conditioning. This helps start to lower the body temperature. Placing the person near a fan or air conditioning unit ensures air flow to the skin, which helps increase perspiration. Perspiration is the body's main way of cooling itself.
Remove Clothing
Remove as much clothing as possible, particularly anything restrictive. This helps promote airflow to the skin, which lowers body temperature. Make sure nothing is constricting the child's neck so that blood is able to freely circulate and the child is able to breathe easily.
Lie Down
To help the child relax, lie him down in a cool place. Place a pillow or other cushion under the feet to elevate them about 12 inches. This helps keep blood circulating to the heart, lungs, and brain to prevent shock.
Wet and Cool the Skin
A washcloth or towel dipped in cool water should be placed on the child's body to further reduce body temperature. Another option is to use a garden hose to spray the skin. Once the skin is wet, fanning it helps increase evaporation, which lowers body temperature. If they are available, cold compresses should be applied to the neck, groin, and armpits. According to FamilyDoctor.org, these areas contain blood vessels that are close to the surface of the skin, so cooling these areas helps speed the cooling down of the whole body.
Provide Fluids
Get the child hydrated by providing her with something cool to drink, preferably a sports drink containing both sugar and salt to help replenish electrolytes. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a child suffering from sunstroke should be given 1/2 cup of fluid every 15 minutes. Be sure not to force the child to drink too much or too quickly, as this could cause vomiting, which makes dehydration worse.
Member Comments