The danger of heat and insolation

• April 19, 2024

Heat stroke or heat exhaustion is caused by the excess sweat that causes the loss of salt and other body fluids. This condition usually precedes the heatstroke and is accompanied by several conditions such as muscle spasms in the legs, abdomen and arms.

When these symptoms manifest, you should try to stay away from the sun and find ways to cool down. As the outside temperature increases the body is unable to cool down and the body temperature increases. It is then when the heat stroke occurs, the blow can, eventually, turn into a fatal sunstroke.

Risk factor's

There are several external factors that can contribute to the possibility of acquiring heat stroke as the choice of clothes, alcohol and high temperatures. However, there are some people who are at a higher risk than others:

• Young people and the elderly

• People who suffer from a chronic disease

• People who drink too much alcohol

• Those who take medications that alter the regulation of body temperature

• People with skin disorders

• Those engaged in vigorous activities

• Those who are naturally unable to cope with extreme temperatures

First aid for heat stroke

Here are some first aid for people suffering from heatstroke:

• The most basic help treatment is an attempt to lower a person's body temperature. Therefore, you can apply an ice pack or submerge the person in cold water (if possible).
• If you are away from your home or outside, apply cold water to the victim's body with a damp towel, a clean cloth or a sponge so that the temperature drops quickly.
• If you only have a minimal amount of water, apply it to key areas of the victim's body such as the neck, groin and armpits.
• Lift the person's feet, to help the blood flow to the head.

What is sunstroke?

Heat stroke is a condition that occurs after the symptoms of heat exhaustion. Therefore, when the first wave of symptoms manifests itself, it is important to get medical attention, as it can lead to sunstroke.

Unlike heat stroke, heat stroke is more serious and life-threatening. It occurs as a result of a failure in the regulation of body temperature after prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

The constant increase in body temperature produces a deadly combination with the increase in external temperature.

Since the body's temperature regulation system is not working, the body is unable to cool down to return to its normal temperature.

In case of sunstroke

When a person suffers from heat stroke, it is considered a medical emergency. Therefore, immediate attention is required since the results could be fatal. The main objective is to lower the body temperature of the victim.

Here are some first aid tips for insolation:

• In case of heatstroke, you should seek medical help immediately. Or take the victim to the hospital immediately.
• While waiting for emergency medical assistance, remove the affected person from his clothes and immerse him in cold water. If this is not possible, simply moisten a towel or sponge on the body to lower the temperature.
• If you use ice packs, place them next to your armpits, neck and groin.
• Help the air flow with whatever you can find.
• Move the affected person to a cool place.
• If the person is conscious, give him water. In case you are unconscious, proceed with external refrigeration until you are ready to drink.

Hospital care

Once the patient is admitted to the hospital, they will apply the appropriate measures to regulate their body temperature. In addition to that, heat stroke patients also undergo blood tests to evaluate salt and body electrolyte levels.

In the case of imbalances detected, a fluid therapy is applied. The observation of body salt and fluid content is important to avoid complications such as kidney failure.
 

Video Medicine: Temperature - Insolation, Heat Transfer, 3 Lapse Rate & 4 Scales in Climatology (April 2024).