Avoiding Heat Stroke

Recognising, Treating and Preventing Heat Stroke

A thermometer hits its highest temperature. As the temperatures sear past 50 in the heat of the Qatar summer, just walking to the shop can make you physically ill, especially when you are not used to it. Some of us, though, have to put up with this heat as part of our jobs. And that's when the risk of heat stroke becomes real.

Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia, which is essentially the opposite of hypothermia. And like hypothermia, it can kill.

Also see: Dehydration

Description

In times of extreme heat, humidity or exertion, the body becomes incapable of exuding all the heat generated. When the temperature rises above 40 Celsius, the condition becomes life threatening, potentially leading to a coma and death.

Symptoms include but are not limited to:

warm, dry skin
high fever
loss of appetite
rapid heart rate
vomiting
nausea
headache
fatigue
confusion
agitation
lethargy
stupor
disorientation

Treatment

Call emergency services immediately.
Move the affected person to a cool place.
Cool the person with water or fan.
Pack ice under armpits or groin.

Prevention

When exercising in hotter conditions, allow a week to acclimatize.
Wear loose fitting clothing.
Wear hats.
Wear sunscreen.
Avoid direct sun where possible.
Rest regularly.
Drink plenty of water to replace fluids. The US department of Labour suggests a cup every 25 minutes.
Wet yourself with a spray or some water when feeling hot. If at home take a shower.
Monitor the color of your urine - dark urine is a sign that you need to drink more.
Cut down or eliminate caffeine, alcohol and drinks with a high sugar content.
Make sure to replenish electrolytes such as sodium (salt). I personally take rehydration fluids when I feel I am dehydrated.