Brisbane, Australia, is anticipated to see heat waves during summer. These could lead to fatal complications and illnesses related to the heat. As you read, you will learn about the prevention and treatment of heat-related illnesses, particularly the most deadly disease, Heatstroke.
According to Australia State of the Environment 2016, the estimated annual average of heat-related deaths in selected capital cities in Australia for 2007, 2020, and 2050 increased significantly. In Brisbane, it showed that there would be an increased number of deaths. In this blog, you can learn how to manage Heatstroke, and hopefully, this would lead to lessened cases and casualties because learning to manage means preventing you from harm and damage.
What is Heatstroke?
Heat stroke is the most dangerous heat-related illness. It occurs when the body’s capacity to control its temperature declines, leading to a rapid rise in body temperature, an ineffective sweating mechanism, and an inability to cool down. After the first 10 to 15 minutes of heat stroke, the body temperature might rise to 106°F or more. Heat stroke can leave a victim severely disabled or perhaps kill them if it is not treated right away.
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 generally occurs when the body temperature reaches 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. First aid treatment aims to rapidly cool down core body temperature while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
- Follow DRSABCD
- 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, put them on their side with their mouth down (to drain any fluid) and the 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.
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.
- Take breaks often, and do hard things when it’s cooler.
- Monitor for signs of heat-related illness and act promptly.
- Check on others, especially those older, sick, or frail.
- Babies and young children are more likely to get sick from extreme heat because they can’t adjust to changes in temperature as quickly as adults can. 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 illnesses is vital and could save lives. It is beneficial to learn first aid practices by enrolling in basic first aid courses available at CPR First Aid Training Center in Brisbane.Â
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.
Complications of Heatstroke
Heatstroke can result in several complications, depending on how long the body temperature is high. Severe complications include:
Vital Organ Damage
Heatstroke can cause your brain or other vital organs to swell without a quick response to lower body temperature, possibly resulting in permanent damage.
DeathÂ
Without prompt and adequate treatment, Heatstroke can be fatal.
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.
It would be best if you remembered that there’s a difference in signs and symptoms and first aid management between heat exhaustion and heat stroke to give correct assistance to the patient.
Conclusion
When the signs and symptoms of heat stroke are addressed promptly, they can be avoided. It is possible to administer first aid for Heatstroke and other heat-related disorders. You will prevent difficulties and possibly even death by doing this. You can join our team in Brisbane to continue your first aid training.
It is essential and potentially saves lives when you learn the fundamentals of treating Heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses with first aid. Enrolling in the introductory first aid courses offered by Brisbane’s CPR First Aid Training Center is an excellent way to learn first aid procedures.
Why are you holding out? You can contact us through this website or by stopping by the Brisbane CPR First Aid Training Center. There, we hope to see you.
