Recognizing the Signs of a Heat Stroke

The summer sun is still beating down relentlessly, increasing the risk of heat stroke for anyone who is outside for extended periods of time and does not take the right precautions. If you experience signs of a heat stroke or you see someone else going through heat-related distress, please get in touch with your nearest Complete Care facility as quickly as possible.

How it Happens

Heat stroke typically occurs after prolonged exposure to extremely high temperatures. A heat stroke – along with dehydration – will cause the temperature control system of the body to fail. Medically speaking, a heat stroke is defined as a core body temperature above 105° F. While it can progress from milder conditions such as fainting, heat cramps and heat exhaustion, it can also occur even when a person is not showing any other signs of a heat-related problem.

Warning Signs

Fainting is one of the common signs of a heat stroke. However, if you experience a throbbing headache, hot, dry, red skin, or muscle cramps or weakness, you may be in the first stages of a heat stroke. Nausea and vomiting, a rapid heartbeat, and shallow, rapid breathing are other indications. Symptoms can also include disorientation and confusion, unconsciousness and seizures.

Take Action Immediately

If you experience any signs of a heat stroke or you notice someone else showing the warning signs, call 911 or get to the nearest emergency medical facility as soon as you can. It will be critically important to get the victim to a cool, shaded area or into an air-conditioned area immediately. Apply ice to the neck, back, armpits and groin; these are parts of the body that have a lot of blood vessels that are close to the skin and cooling them could substantially reduce the temperature of the victim’s body.

The experts with Complete Care have a great deal of experience in treating heat stroke and several other medical emergencies. Get in touch with your nearest location to learn more.