First Aid Steps

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Learning about Heatstroke

First Aid Steps

If see any signs of heatstroke, provide first aid immediately and take the patient to a doctor.

First Aid - Three Important Steps

• Point1

  Move to a cool place

  First move to a well air conditioned room or vehicle.
  If outdoors with no place like that nearby, move to a shady, breezy area to rest.

• Point2

  Remove clothing and cool the body to lower body temperature

  Loosen clothing to let the body heat escape.
  Use a bag of ice or an ice pack to cool the neck, armpits, groin, and other areas. Splashing water on the skin and fanning helps, too. If there is no fan, create a breeze using a towel or a piece of cardboard.

• Point3

  Take sodium and liquids

  If possible, drink a sports drink to absorb liquid and sodium at the same time.
  If someone is vomiting or unconscious, do not force them to drink, as they might accidentally inhale the liquid.

Even while waiting for an ambulance, first aid can prevent symptoms from worsening. Heatstroke is potentially fatal, and must be taken seriously.