Heat emergencies

Alternative Names

Heatstroke

First Aid

1. Have the person lie down in a cool place. Elevate the person's feet about 12 inches.
2. Apply cool, wet cloths (or cool water directly) to the person's skin and use a fan to lower body temperature. Place cold compresses on the person's neck, groin, and armpits.
3. If alert, give the person beverages to sip (such as Gatorade), or make a salted drink by adding a teaspoon of salt per quart of water. Give a half cup every 15 minutes. Cool water will do if salt beverages are not available.
4. For muscle cramps, give beverages as above and massage affected muscles gently, but firmly, until they relax.
5. If the person shows signs of shock (bluish lips and fingernails and decreased alertness ), starts having seizures, or loses consciousness, call 911 and administer first aid accordingly.

DO NOT

• DO NOT underestimate the seriousness of heat illness, especially if the person is a child, elderly, or injured.
• DO NOT give the person medications that are used to treat fever (such as aspirin or acetaminophen). They will not help, and they may be harmful.
• DO NOT give the person salt tablets.
• DO NOT give the person liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. They will interfere with the body's ability to control its internal temperature.
• DO NOT use alcohol rubs on the person's skin.
• DO NOT give the person anything by mouth (not even salted drinks) if the person is vomiting or unconscious.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call 911 if:

• The person loses consciousness at any time.
• There is any other change in the person's alertness (for example, confusion or seizures).
• The person has a fever over 102°F.
• Other symptoms of heat stroke are present (like rapid pulse or rapid breathing).
• The person's condition does not improve, or worsens despite treatment.

References

Auerbach PS. Wilderness Medicine. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:240-316.

DeLee JC, Drez Jr. D, Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2003:763.