An Emergency Physician Explains How to Recognize the Signs of Heat Stroke
It doesn't just happen to athletes or people doing intense physical activity. Classic heat stroke can occur simply by being in a hot environment for too long. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, people who work outside are especially vulnerable in the first few days of exposure because the body needs time to adapt to rising temperatures. As the heat intensifies this summer, understanding how to spot and respond to heat stroke could be the most important safety step you take.
In addition to workers, heat stroke is especially common among "infants, younger children, elderly and those with significant heart or lung conditions," Dr. Alex Koo, an emergency room physician with MedStar Health, told CNET.
People with certain medical conditions, those taking specific medications or drugs (including alcohol) and individuals living in hot climates or homes without air conditioning may be at higher risk for heat stroke.
Here's what to know if you or someone near you starts experiencing symptoms of heat stroke.
Heat stroke symptoms
"Heat stroke almost will always present with symptoms," said Koo. "As the body cannot dissipate heat faster than it is producing or receiving, the body will experience heat exhaustion first." While heat exhaustion isn't quite as serious, it still requires you cool down as quickly as possible. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. If your symptoms worsen, last more than one hour or you start vomiting, call 911.
Symptoms of heat stroke, according to the Mayo Clinic and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include:
Altered mental state, including confusion, agitation and slurred speech (this may also result in "odd" behavior)
Headache
Hot, flushed, usually dry skin (or, alternatively, heavy sweating -- if brought on by exercise, heat stroke may include moist skin)
Loss of consciousness
Racing heartbeat
Rapid breathing
Seizures
Very high body temperature
Vomiting
Keeping hydrated by drinking enough water, both before you head outdoors and while you're out in the heat, is an important step to warding off heat illness.1. Call 911
Having heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires professional care.
If there's more than one person around to aid the person suffering heat stroke, have them call 911 while the other helps the person through the steps below.
2. Get to a cooler area immediately
If you're around someone who has heat stroke, move them to a cooler area such as a nearby air-conditioned room.
As quickly as possible, "try to help that person to a shaded, cooler area," said Koo. The goal is to cool down the body's core temperature.
3. Take off excess clothing
Removing long-sleeve shirts, pants or other clothing will help a person cool down faster. Koo said you should especially "loosen any tight clothing and have them sit or lie down on a cooler surface."
(If you run in layers to "sweat off weight," you probably shouldn't. It's dangerous and can lead to heat stroke. Consider cooling clothes that work with your body to keep you cooler and more comfortable.)
4. Hold ice, cold towels or cool water to the skin
If you or someone else is experiencing heat stroke, place a cold towel or water bottle on the neck, armpits or groin to help cool the body.
While you wait for help to arrive, you can even spray them down with cold water or put them in a cold shower -- anything to cool them off. Cold water immersion or an ice bath is one treatment for heat stroke that doctors may use at the hospital.
Don't force a drink on someone experiencing heat stroke, Koo said. "If the person is altered, confused, nauseous or seizing, do not try to force them to drink fluids. They could vomit and choke."
However, if "the person is experiencing heat exhaustion and [is] able to drink fluids" then they can be given sips of water or "solute-infused beverage, as electrolyte sports drinks." Koo added, "Avoid caffeine-containing and alcoholic drinks."
Other doctor-approved heat safety tips
Koo told CNET, "Keep up to date on the weather, checking the forecast for the heat index, rather than just the temperature of the day." Keep in mind that the early evening is going to be the hottest time of the day, not the afternoon.
He said to also "prepare [yourself] and your loved ones for a day out in hot weather by wearing loose clothing, ensuring everyone is hydrated prior, during and after fun in the sun."
Make sure you're applying and reapplying sunscreen and seeking shade whenever possible. And "Know the signs of heat exhaustion as the first indication that it may be time to move to a cooler environment," he stated.
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