Heat Stroke
 |
Cool the body of a heatstroke victim immediately. |
|
|
If possible, put him in cool water; wrap him in cool wet clothes; or sponge his skin with cool water, rubbing alcohol, ice, or cold packs. |
|
|
Once the victim's temperature drops to about 101 F, you may lay him in the recovery position in a cool room. |
|
|
If the temperature begins to rise again, you will need to repeat the cooling process. |
|
|
If he/she is able to drink, you may give him some water. |
|
|
Do not give a heatstroke victim any kind of medication. |
|
|
You should watch for signs of shock while waiting for medical attention. |
Frost bite
|
|
Take the victim indoors if possible. |
|
|
Remove any wet clothing he/she may have on. |
|
|
Immerse the frostbitten parts in warm (not hot) water until they regain their pink color. If warm water is not available, wrap the affected parts gently in a sheet and warm blankets and keep the parts elevated. |
|
|
Do not rub or massage the frostbitten area. This could cause gangrene (decay of body tissue when the oxygen supply is obstructed) to set in. |
|
|
Do not try to warm the victim with a heat lamp or hot water bottle or place him near a hot stove. This could also cause gangrene. |
|
|
Do not break any blisters the victim may have because the blisters may become infected. |
|
|
If the victim is conscious and is not vomiting, give him warm liquids to drink to help the warming process. |
|
|
After the frostbitten parts are warmed, have the victim exercise them to maintain good circulation in those areas. |
|
|
If the victim's toes or feet are frostbitten, do not let them walk until they are warm. Walking could cause gangrene just as rubbing can. |
|
|
A doctor should be seen as soon as possible to make sure the parts heal properly. |
Hypothermia
Symptoms
Vigorous, uncontrollable shivering
As hypothermia progresses...
|
| Dizziness |
|
| Lightheadedness |
|
| Muscular stiffness |
|
| Difficulty in moving |
If no treatment is given...
|
| Slurred speech |
|
| Slow pulse |
|
| Memory loss |
If still no treatment is given...
|
| Unconsciousness |
|
| Eventual death |
Treatment
|
|
The body temperature must be raised slowly. Warming the victim's body too quickly could cause tissue damage. |
|
|
Take him/her indoors or to an area of shelter. |
|
|
If the victim's clothes are wet, have him remove them and replace them with warm, dry clothes as soon as possible. |
|
|
The victim may want to wrap up in a blanket and sit near a heater or fireplace until he is warm. |
|
|
Give the victim warm liquids (i.e. hot apple cider, soup, etc.) if he/she is fully conscious. |
|
|
The victim should not drink liquids that contain caffeine. |
|
|
Make sure the victim gets medical attention as soon as possible. |