First Aid for Heatstroke
Life-saving guide! "Heatstroke" first aid that everyone must know
Heatstroke is not just a general dizzy spell, but an emergency where the body temperature control system fails. If help is not timely, it can affect the brain, heart, and kidneys, even leading to death. San Paolo Huahin Hospital recommends 5 action steps when encountering a patient with "extremely hot body but no sweat, confusion, or unconsciousness" as follows:
Life-saving steps for heatstroke patients
- Move to shade immediately: Move the patient away from direct sunlight to a well-ventilated area or an air-conditioned room (if available).
- Call the hotline: Contact an ambulance immediately at 032-532-576 (San Paolo Huahin Hospital) for rapid medical assistance.
- Position appropriately: Lay the patient flat on their back and elevate both feet (using pillows or objects) to improve blood flow to the brain.
- Cool down as quickly as possible:
- Loosen clothing.
- Use a cloth soaked in cool or room temperature water (not ice cold) to wipe the body.
- Place cool cloths on "joints, groin, armpits, and neck" which are areas with major blood vessels, helping to reduce body temperature faster.
- If there is a fan, turn it on to help evaporate water and dissipate heat.
- Drinking water:
- If still conscious: Gradually sip plain water little by little.
- If unconscious: Do not pour water into the mouth at all, as it will cause choking into the lungs and severe danger.
Differences to observe: "Heat Exhaustion" vs "Heatstroke"
Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, cool clammy skin, headache, nausea (rest and drink water immediately).
Heatstroke: Extremely hot body (over 40°C), dry red skin, no sweat, confusion, seizures, or unconsciousness (considered a top-level emergency!).
Reference:
Independent Writer
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