There will likely be summer heat waves in Brisbane, Australia. These might result in deadly complications and heat-related disorders. The prevention and treatment of heat-related disorders, particularly heatstroke, the most dangerous condition, will be covered as you read.
What is the Difference Between Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion?
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are both dangerous conditions. Generalized muscle weakness, abrupt, profuse perspiration, nausea, vomiting, and perhaps fainting are the first symptoms of heat exhaustion. When your body’s internal temperature exceeds 103 degrees, you have a heat stroke. You start to lose or shift consciousness, become agitated, exhibit unexpected behaviour changes, and develop hot, red, and dry skin. These signs should all be considered seriously. As soon as symptoms appear, contact your medical professionals. Heatstroke may develop if you experience heat exhaustion for a prolonged length of time, according to Healthline. It’s common for heat exhaustion symptoms to appear before heat stroke, although this isn’t always the case.
How Do You Explain Heatstroke?
The most serious heat-related sickness is heat stroke. It happens when the body loses the ability to regulate its temperature, causing the body’s temperature to increase quickly, the sweating system to malfunction, and the body to be unable to cool down. Within 10 to 15 minutes after the onset of heat stroke, the body temperature can reach 106°F or more. If not treated immediately, heat stroke can result in severe disability or death.
Symptoms of Heatstroke
According to Mayo Clinic, here are the symptoms of Heatstroke:
- High body temperature – A core body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher, obtained with a rectal thermometer, is the main sign of heatstroke.
- Altered Mental State or Behavior – Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can all result from heatstroke.
- Alteration in Sweating – In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel dry or slightly moist.
- Nausea and Vomiting – You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.
- Flushed Skin – Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases.
- Rapid Breathing – Your breathing may become rapid and shallow.
- Racing Heart Rate – Your pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body.
- Headache – Your head may throb.
First Aid of Heatstroke
Heat stroke occurs generally when the body temperature has reached 40 degrees or above. In this situation, it is necessary to perform first aid quickly to prevent complications of other body organs which may lead to unconsciousness and death. The aim of administering first aid treatment is to rapidly cool down core body temperature while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
- Follow DRS ABCD
- Call 000 – Heatstroke is a medical emergency. If someone has heatstroke call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance
- Remove from the heat source – remove the casualty from exposure to extreme heat to a shadier and/or cooler place
- Follow the steps for Lowering Body Temperature:
-Removing excess clothing
-Sponging or spraying them with water and fanning the damp skin
-Immersing them in cool water
-Placing cold packs under their armpits or groin, or on the back of their neck - If unconscious, place them in the recovery position – for unconscious casualties, place them on their side with their mouth down (to drain any fluid) and their chin up to prevent possible suffocation.
- If conscious, give the person sips of cool fluid if possible.
- Do not give aspirin or paracetamol to someone with heatstroke, this may make things worse.
What are Other Heat-related Illness?
Heat-related illnesses can be prevented. It’s important to be prepared for extreme heat, especially if you have existing medical conditions.
1. Heat Rash
Small red bumps or clusters of blisters that resemble pimples are typically found on the neck and upper chest.
2. Dehydration
When the body does not contain enough water, dehydration results. It takes place when the body loses more electrolytes and fluids than it can manufacture. Dehydration is a frequent consequence of conditions brought on by heat, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
3. Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are one of the first signs of heat illness and can also signify heat exhaustion.
4. Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a likely event when a person’s body temperature rises above 37° C — the body’s normal operating temperature is 36°–37° C. This can lead to heatstroke without prompt treatment.
How to Avoid Heatstroke?
Early prevention and detection of early signs of heat-related illness caused by heat waves can reduce health risks and even prevent death.
You must always remember that there’s a difference in signs and symptoms and first aid management between heat exhaustion and heat stroke in order to give correct assistance to the patient.
Prevention of Heatstroke and other Heat-related Illness
- Stay hydrated.
- Stay out of the heat as much as possible.
- Keep your space cool with circulating air.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing and protect yourself from sun damage.
- Rest often and save strenuous activities for the cooler parts of the day.
- Monitor for signs of heat-related illness and act promptly.
- Check on others, especially those who are older, sick or frail.
- Babies and young children are more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat, as they
can’t adapt easily to changing temperatures. Take extra steps to care for young children
during hot weather, and never leave anyone (including pets) unattended in a car.
If heat exhaustion is not managed well, this may lead to heatstroke. Remember the first aid tips for heatstroke.
First Aid Courses Available in Brisbane
Learning the basics of first aid treatment for heatstroke and other heat-related illness is very vital and could save lives. It is beneficial to learn the first aid practices by enrolling in basic first aid courses available at CPR First Aid Training Center in Brisbane.
What are you waiting for? You may contact us on this website or visit us at CPR First Aid Training Center in Brisbane. We hope to see you there.
Conclusion
Heat stroke can be prevented when treated early as signs and symptoms show. First Aid for heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses can be managed. This will prevent you from complications and even fatality. You may join our team to learn first aid skills further here in Brisbane.
