How to avoid heat stroke this summer – Red Cross

The human body is easily affected by the sudden changes in its environment. It is its nature to easily adapt, and intense hotness like what this summer season offers could relatively push it to go beyond its normal temperature range, which could raise health problems, such as Heat Stroke.

Heat Stroke is defined as an illness due to the body’s erratic response to extreme heat. It characterizes extremely high body temperature (above 120 degrees Fahrenheit) and disturbance in sweating mechanism; thus, causing the skin to dry up and redden, and the heart to beat faster which fosters rapid and shallow breathing.

Given the perception that the aforementioned changes are the body’s normal reaction towards the drastic changes in its environment, most people often underestimate the dangers Heat Stroke poses. Some rarely know that this condition is in fact a serious matter, most especially in times wherein the victim is a child, an elderly, or a person suffering from an injury.

Apparently, aside from the normal weakness the victim can experience, he or she is also prone to suffer seizures and abrupt unconsciousness that could actually lead to fatal complications when left unaided.

In order to avoid witnessing the worst case scenario, you might want to browse through the following easy-to-follow guidelines and basic first aid procedures from Philippine Red Cross (PRC), in response to probable uncalled for Heat Stroke emergency situation:

1. Move the victim to a shady spot. He/ She shall be out of a direct heat source. If possible, try to bring him/her in an air-conditioned room to help lower his/her temperature.

2. Cool down the victim. Do not use an alcohol rub. Soak a towel in cold water, and then drape it over the victim. If an electric fan is available, you may also want to make use of it to help lower the victim’s temperature while waiting for professional medical help.

3. Do not give the victim anything though the mouth. A person suffering from Heat Stroke shall not intake anything through his/her mouth, not even salted drinks.

4. Give first aid for shock. If there is no suspected head, neck, back or leg injury, lay the victim flat and elevate his/her legs up to 8-12 inches from the ground.

5. Always protect the victim’s head. If the victim is having a seizure, always make sure that you keep his/her head protected from possible injuries. Aside from that, avoid forcefully restraining his/her seizure-related body movements as it may result to unnecessary bruises and fractures.

*** Summer season is meant to be fun and enjoyable for everybody. It is the time where people tend to hit the hottest beaches with their families and friends, and this need not change just because of this posing threat.

We need not fear because there are actually feasible ways to avoid making that dream vacation of yours a complete nightmare.

The heat of this year’s summer can definitely be kept cool as long as you abide by these three basic guidelines from PRC:

1. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Keep your head covered when spending time outdoors.

2. Wear proper clothing. Make sure that you are in something light colored and loose.

3. Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate. Take in as much as 12-15 glasses of water a day to avoid dehydration. .