HEAT STROKE

INTRODUCTION
• Heat stroke occurs when
body can no longer control
its temperature by sweating
and can occurs quite
suddenly
• The body becomes
dangerously overheated,
usually due to high fever or
prolonged exposure to heat
 Causes & Risk factors
• Causes • Risk Factors
– Cooling mechanism of – Dehydration
the body fails due to – Infants & older people 
a. Excessive humidity – People who work long
b. Extreme heat
hours, outdoor
c. Activity in the hot sun 
– Obesity
• Internal body – Cardiovascular disorder
temperature rises,
– Alcohol usage
leading to heat stroke.
 Clinical feature
• Headache, dizziness and discomfort
• Restlessness and confusion
• Convulsion (seizure).
• Signs of moderate to severe difficulty breathing.
• Fast heart rate.
• Hot, flushed and dry skin
• Rapid deterioration in level of response
• Nausea, vomiting and muscular cramp.
 First aid management
• Quickly move the casualty to cool place and remove
as much of his outer clothing
• If the casualty is conscious, then place him/her in
half sitting position with head and shoulder
supported.
• Cooling of body
a) Wrap the casualty in cold wet sheet and keep it wet
b) Open fan or cooling system
c) Pour cold water all over body and cold sponging
should be started.
 First aid management
• Replace the body fluid with water , if possible
cold water
• Monitor and record vitals and level of
consciousness.
• If the casualty become unconscious, open the
airway and check breathing and be prepared
for CPR.
 Prevention 
• Avoid outdoor activity during excessive heat
• Drink plenty of fluids when working outdoors
• During outdoor activity, splash your body
frequently with water
• Avoid alcohol / coffee / soda  
• Wear light weight, light- colored, loose-fitting
clothes
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sun
glasses and hat