heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Heat exhaustion

Signs and symptons

• Casualty may feel exhausted but restless• Casualty may have a headache and feel tired,

dizzy and nauseated• Muscular cramps in the lower limbs and

abdomen• Breathing becomes fast and shallow• Pulse is rapid and weak• Casualty may faint on any sudden movement

Treatment • Lay the casualty down in a cool place. Get him to

lie down with raised legs.• Give him plenty of water; follow, if possible with

a weak salt solution.• If the casualty is sweating profusely, has cramps,

diarrhoea and/or is vomiting, add salt to water.• If the casualty becomes unconscious, but is

breathing normally, place him in the recovery position

• Monitor and record vital signs-of response.• Be prepared to do CPR

Heat Stroke

Signs and symptoms

• Casualty complains of headache, dizziness and of feeling hot.

• Casualty becomes restless• Unconsciousness may develop rapidly and

become very deep.• Casualty will be hot with a temperature of

above 40˚C and will look flushed.• Pulse is full and bounding; breathing may be

noisy.

Treatment • Move the casualty to a cool environment and

remove as much of his outer clothing as possible• If the casualty is conscious, place in half-sitting

position.• If the casualty is unconscious but breathing

normally, place in Recovery Position.• Wrap the casualty in a cold, wet sheet and keep it

wet.• Once the casualty’s temperature appears to have

returned to normal, replace the wet sheet with a dry one.

• Monitor and record vital signs .