$Unique_ID{PAR00297}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Emergency First Aid:  HEAT-RELATED EMERGENCIES:  Heatstroke}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Siegfried, Donna M}
$Subject{HEAT-RELATED EMERGENCY EMERGENCIES Heatstroke high body temperature
overexposure heat 106 degrees Fahrenheit 41 degrees Celsius centigrade red hot
dry skin lack sweat sweats sweating constricted pupil pupils rapid pulse
unconscious unconsciousness confused confusion}
$Log{
Step 3*0029701.tif}

The New Parents' Question & Answer Book


HEAT-RELATED EMERGENCIES:  Heatstroke


CAUSE

     Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition, marked by an extremely high
body temperature, that results from overexposure to heat.


SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  -  high body temperature (may be higher than 106 degrees_F or 41 degrees_C)
  -  red, hot, dry skin
  -  lack of sweating
  -  constricted pupils
  -  rapid pulse (more than 100 beats per minute)
  -  possible unconsciousness or confusion

  WITHOUT IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION, CHILD MAY DIE.


EMERGENCY TREATMENT

1. SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IMMEDIATELY.  Call 911 or operator.

Until Ambulance Arrives:

2. Undress child.
3. Wrap child in cool, wet towels and place ice packs wrapped in cloth at
   areas with abundant blood supply--neck, armpits, and groin.
4. Continue cooling until body temperature is lowered to 102 degrees_F (39
   degrees_C).  DO NOT overcool.  Take child's temperature often.
5. Observe for shock.  See SHOCK (later section).
6. Check breathing.  If breathing stops, see MOUTH-TO-MOUTH RESUSCITATION
   (previous section).