While preventing heart-related injuries is of the utmost importance, there are still some things you can do if someone you know begins exhibiting heat stroke symptoms.
Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, cramps, headaches, excessive thirst, weakness, confusion, dizziness and fainting, among others.
The first thing you should do is call for an ambulance and then work to cool the victim.
Get the victim to an air-conditioned place. Try to get the victim to drink water. You can also use ice or a frozen treat to get fluids into his or her system. If the victim is sweating, try to get them to drink a sports drink or fruit juice. This will help replace the electrolytes they lost during perspiration.
Use cold compresses to cool the victim down. Place the compresses in the armpits, groin or in the bends in the knees.
If the victim is still too warm, run a cool bath or shower. Don’t leave the victim unattended, though, as he or she may become disoriented.
Heat stroke victims should seek medical care even if they are able to get cooled down at home.
