Heat stroke can occur if exposed to high temperatures for too long. What you will notice about the heat stroke and what will help then, you will find out here.
Careful, danger to life: What is a heat stroke?
A heat stroke (“hyperthermia syndrome”) is a form of heat exhaustion and can result from exposure to high heat for too long or too quickly. Physical exertion can also play a role. The most obvious symptom is a body temperature over 40 degrees. During the heat stroke, the body can no longer produce sweat for cooling – this is life threatening! Therefore, if a heat stroke is suspected, the emergency doctor should be called immediately.
Who is most likely to suffer a heat stroke?
Basically every person can suffer a heat stroke , but the following groups are particularly vulnerable:
- Babies and toddlers,
- Chronically ill,
- Older people,
- People who are not used to heat.
These symptoms occur in a heat stroke
A heat stroke causes similar symptoms as a sunstroke. Unlike this, however , the heat stroke symptoms already occur while you are still in the sun / heat. In a sunstroke , it often takes hours to first complaints. The following hints indicate a heat stroke:
- Fever over 40 degrees, generally hot, red and dry skin,
- Headache ,
- Nausea and vomiting,
- Dizziness ,
- Cramps,
- Impaired consciousness until unconsciousness,
- Circulatory breakdown to organ failure,
- In addition to babies: refusal to eat, shrill cries or apathy, fast pulse.
What to do in a heat stroke?
If someone shows signs of heat stroke, they should first be removed from the sun. More first aid tips before the doctor arrives:
- The affected person should rest with his legs high and his head slightly elevated in a cool and shady place.
- Too tight clothing is loosened.
- Cold wipes cool down the body – they should be placed on the head and neck, but also on the arms and legs.
- If the patient is conscious and not sick, it is important that he gets plenty of fluids (preferably water) to drink.
- Watch the patient closely – especially for breathing and heart rate – and do not leave him alone. He could become unconscious at any time.
How do I protect myself from a heat stroke?
In addition to a heat stroke, it can also lead to a sunstroke or sunburn , if exposed to the sun unprotected. With these tips you can protect yourself from:
- Never be outside without a hat (best with neck protection),
- Avoid noon sun,
- Creaming properly (all you need to know about the correct sunprotection factor here),
- Drink a lot (at least two liters, better three at high heat),
- Do without strenuous activities during a high heat.