Heatstoke (also called Sunstroke), occurs when your core body temperature reaches 105° degrees Fahrenheit (41° C) or higher. It is Life Threatening, Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
Symptoms of Heatstroke can include:
- Headache
- Weakness
- changes in consciousness;
- vomiting.
- high body temperature
- Loss of coordination
- Confused or uncooperative mental state, which moves to unconsciousness
- Rapid pulse
- Rapid breathing
- Hot and red skin (flushed), which can be dry or wet.
- Seizures
Treatment for Heatstoke / Sunstroke
- Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
- Treat person suspected of heatstroke immediately (Heatstroke is Life Threatening)
- Shade patient from the sun
- Cool down person (fan vigorously, splash water on them, or cool patient by packing them in snow
- Remove any clothes from the person that may keep in heat
- Apply ice packs (or snow packs) to areas of the body (specifically wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits)
- Get the body temperature to drop below 102° F (39° C), before stopping cooling.
- Get the patient to a medical personal as soon as possible.