What is the first aid management for a person with heatstroke high body temperature )?

Topic Overview

Heatstroke occurs when the body fails to regulate its own temperature and body temperature continues to rise, often to 40°C (104°F) or higher. Signs of rapidly progressing heatstroke include:

Inhaltsverzeichnis Show

Topic Overview
Related information
Support groups
From other websites
Content disclaimer
What is the first aid management of heat stroke?
What are the 3 steps to treating heat stroke?
What is the first aid treatment given to the person suffering from heat exhaustion?
What is the first action you should take if someone is showing signs of heat stroke?

Unconsciousness for longer than a few seconds.
Convulsion (seizure).
Signs of moderate to severe difficulty breathing.
A rectal temperature over 40°C (104°F) after exposure to a hot environment.
Confusion, severe restlessness, aggressive behaviour or anxiety.
Fast heart rate.
Sweating that may be heavy or may have stopped.
Skin that may be red, pale, hot, and dry, even in the armpits.
Severe vomiting and diarrhea.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Even with immediate treatment, it can be life-threatening or result in serious, long-term complications. After calling 911 or other emergency medical services, follow these first aid steps.

Move the person into a cool place, out of direct sunlight.
Remove the person's unnecessary clothing, and place the person on his or her side to expose as much skin surface to the air as possible.
Cool the person's entire body by sponging or spraying cold water, and fan the person to help lower the person's body temperature. Watch for signs of rapidly progressing heatstroke, such as seizure, unconsciousness for longer than a few seconds, and moderate to severe difficulty breathing.
Apply ice packs in each armpit and on the back of the person's neck.
If a child has stopped breathing, begin rescue breathing.
Do not give aspirin or acetaminophen to reduce a high body temperature that can occur with heatstroke. These medicines may cause problems because of the body's response to heatstroke.
If the person is awake and alert enough to swallow, give the person fluids [1 L (32 fl oz) to 2 L (64 fl oz) over 1 to 2 hours] for hydration. You may have to help. Make sure the person is sitting up enough so that he or she does not choke. Most people with heatstroke have an altered level of consciousness and cannot safely be given fluids to drink.

Credits

Adaptation Date: 4/28/2022

Adapted By: HealthLink BC

Adaptation Reviewed By: HealthLink BC

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency that can be avoided by following simple prevention measures.
Older people, young children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with heart disease, high blood pressure or lung disease are most at risk.
During hot weather, drink plenty of water, stay cool indoors or in the shade, and restrict activity, especially exercise, renovating and gardening.
Call Triple Zero (000) if you or a family member show any signs of heatstroke.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

The type of pain felt in the abdomen can vary greatly.
Children may feel stomach pain for a range of reasons and may need treatment
When returning to a flood-affected area, remember that wild animals, including rats, mice, snakes or spiders, may be trapped in your home, shed or garden.
When returning to your home after a flood, take precautions to reduce the possibility of injury, illness or disease.
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and asthma attacks need urgent emergency first aid. In an emergency, always call triple zero (000).

Support groups

From other websites

Content disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

What is the first aid management of heat stroke?

Heat stroke treatment Cool the person using wet towels or a wet sheet with a fan directed across the surface. If ice packs are available, wrap them in towels and place them around the neck groin and armpits . If shivering occurs reduce active cooling. If unresponsive or not alert , place in the recovery position.

What are the 3 steps to treating heat stroke?

Follow these steps to initiate emergency treatment: Remove all equipment and excess clothing. Cool the athlete as quickly as possible within 30 minutes via whole body ice water immersion (place them in a tub/stock tank with ice and water approximately 35–58°F); stir water and add ice throughout cooling process.

What is the first aid treatment given to the person suffering from heat exhaustion?

Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly. Remove tight or heavy clothing. Have the person sip chilled water, a decaffeinated sports drink containing electrolytes or other nonalcoholic beverage without caffeine. Cool the person by spraying or sponging with cool water and fanning.

What is the first action you should take if someone is showing signs of heat stroke?

Confusion, slurred speech, or unconsciousness are signs of heat stroke. When these types of symptoms are present, call 911 immediately and cool the worker with ice or cold water until help arrives.