How to Prevent Heatstroke and Give First Aid

Pakistan's summers bring long spells of very high temperatures, and Pakistan's National Institute of Health has warned the public about heatstroke during heatwaves. Heat illness usually starts as heat exhaustion. If the body is not cooled in time, it can turn into heatstroke, which the World Health Organization describes as a medical emergency that is often fatal. Knowing the early signs and what to do can save a life.

Who is most at risk from heat?

Anyone can be affected, but some people need extra care:

• Babies and young children
• Older people, especially those over 65 and those living alone
• People with long-term conditions such as heart, lung or kidney disease, or diabetes
• Outdoor and manual workers, and athletes
• Families living in homes that are hard to keep cool

What are the signs of heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is the warning stage. Look out for:

• Headache, dizziness and tiredness
• Feeling sick or vomiting
• Heavy sweating with pale, clammy skin
• Cramps in the arms, legs or stomach
• A high temperature and strong thirst
• Irritability

What are the signs of heatstroke?

Heatstroke is more serious. Signs include:

• A very high body temperature
• Hot, red or dry skin, sometimes with no sweating
• Fast breathing and a fast heartbeat
• Confusion, restlessness, slurred speech or hallucinations
• A seizure (fit)
• Loss of consciousness

First aid: what to do right away

1. Move the person to a cool, shaded place.
2. Remove extra clothing, such as a jacket or socks.
3. Cool the skin: spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs under the armpits and in the groin also help.
4. Give water if they are awake and able to drink. Avoid tea, coffee and other caffeinated drinks.
5. Stay with them and keep cooling. Heat exhaustion should get better within about 30 minutes.

Never try to give drinks to someone who is drowsy, confused or unconscious.

How to prevent heatstroke

• Drink water through the day, not only when thirsty. WHO suggests about one cup an hour in hot weather and at least 2 to 3 litres a day.
• Avoid the midday sun. Stay indoors or in the shade during the hottest hours, roughly 11am to 3pm.
• Skip hard physical work or exercise in hot, humid weather.
• Dress for the heat: light-coloured, loose, lightweight clothes and a hat.
• Keep your home cool: close curtains on sunny windows during the day and let cooler air in at night. Try to spend at least a few hours a day in a cool place.
• Check on others, especially elderly neighbours and relatives who live alone.

When to get emergency help

Call Rescue 1122 or go to the nearest hospital immediately if the person:

• Shows any sign of heatstroke listed above
• Is still unwell after 30 minutes of rest and cooling
• Becomes confused, very drowsy or unresponsive
• Has a fit
• Has trouble breathing

Keep cooling the person while you wait for help to arrive.