Heat Stroke - What You Should Know

This past week in dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, both Willow and I suffered from a mild case of Heat Stroke.

What is Heat Stroke? Heat Stroke or Hyperthermia, is an acute condition which occurs when the body produces or absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. It is usually due to excessive exposure to heat. The heat-regulating mechanisms of the body eventually become overwhelmed and unable to effectively deal with the heat, therefore the body temperature climbs uncontrollably. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention.

Now, there is a difference between hyperthermia and fever. A fever occurs when the body sets the core temperature to a higher temperature, through the action of the pre-optic region of the anterior hypothalamus. For example, in response to a bacterial or viral infection, the body will raise its temperature to allow the immune system to work better and to deteriorate the condition of the invaders. In contrast, hyperthermia occurs when the body temperature is raised without the consent of the heat control centers.

Heat related illness usually makes itself apparent in stages. According to the American Red Cross' Health and Safety Tips on Heat Related Illness, the signal of the first stage is heat cramps in muscles. These cramps can be very painful. If you are caring for a person who has heat cramps, have him or her stop activity and rest. If the person is fully awake and alert, have him or her drink small amounts of cool water or a commercial sports drink. Gently stretch the cramped muscle and hold the stretch for about 20 seconds, then gently massage the muscle. Repeat these steps if necessary. If the victim has no other signals of heat-related illness, the person may resume activity after the cramps stop.

The signals of the next, more serious stage of a heat-related illness (often called heat exhaustion) include:

• Cool, moist, pale skin (the skin may be red right after physical activity).


• Headache.


• Dizziness and weakness or exhaustion.


• Nausea.


• The skin may or may not feel hot.

The signals of the late stage of a heat-related illness (often called heat stroke) include:

• Vomiting.


• Decreased alertness level or complete loss of consciousness.


• High body temperature (sometimes as high as 105oF).


• Skin may still be moist or the victim may stop sweating and the skin may be red, hot and dry.


• Rapid, weak pulse.


• Rapid, shallow breathing.

This late stage of a heat-related illness is life threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

The Unites States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a great booklet that you can download and keep on Excessive Heat Exposure. You can find it here.

Now that we know what Heat Stroke is, what can you do if you have (or think you have) it? According to the American Red Cross there are three things you should do:

1. Cool the Body


2. Give Fluids


3. Minimize Shock

For heat cramps or heat exhaustion: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too quickly. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths such as towels or wet sheets. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.

For heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local EMS number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, wrap them in a cloth and place them on each of the victim's wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. (Do not use rubbing alcohol because it closes the skin's pores and prevents heat loss.) Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.

After Willow vomited, we started spraying her with water and fanning her with a hand fan, since we didn't have power. I just held her and continued with that regimen until she fell asleep. And even after she was asleep when she would wake up we would spray her down and fan her off. It seemed to work pretty well. As for me, I was drinking water but I vomited as well. After that I went and took a cool shower. I felt much better then and was able to relax a little bit. I was still worried about Willow but we made it through the night no problem. Luckily the next day a cold front blew through and took away the horrid humidity and all was well with the world again.

Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion are very serious and should not be taken lightly. If you even suspect that you, or your child(ren) have either of these conditions, PLEASE don't hesitate to give the proper treatment as soon as posible.