Heat stroke: the signs to know and what to do in the first minutes
Heat stroke first aid for Indian summers: the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and simple steps that can save a life on the way to hospital.
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Heat stroke happens when the body can no longer cool itself. It can damage the brain, heart and kidneys within hours, and it can kill. The good news: it is mostly preventable, and quick first aid makes a real difference.
Heat exhaustion comes first
The early stage is heat exhaustion. Watch for:
- heavy sweating, thirst and tiredness
- headache, dizziness or feeling faint
- nausea or vomiting
- muscle cramps
What to do: move to a cool, shaded place, loosen clothing, sip water or oral rehydration solution, and rest. If the person does not improve within about 30 minutes, get medical help.
Heat stroke is an emergency
Signs that it has become heat stroke:
- confusion, slurred speech or strange behaviour
- fainting or not responding
- a seizure (fit)
- very high body temperature, with skin that may be hot and dry
What to do, at once:
- Call for an ambulance or take the person to the nearest hospital.
- Move them out of the sun and remove extra clothing.
- Cool them fast — wet the skin with water and fan them, or put cold packs in the armpits, neck and groin.
- Do not give anything to drink if they are confused or not fully awake.
Who is most at risk
Older people, infants and young children, pregnant women, people working outdoors, and people with heart, kidney or lung disease or diabetes. Check on neighbours who live alone during a heat wave.
This article is general health information, not medical advice. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital.
Sources
- NDMA — Heat wave ndma.gov.in
- WHO — Climate change, heat and health who.int
- National Centre for Disease Control ncdc.mohfw.gov.in
