According to the CDC, 8,081 heat-related deaths occurred within a span of 10 years. Of these, 94 percent occurred between May and September.
Signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Muscle cramps
- Heavy sweating
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Headaches
- Pale or cold skin
- Weakness or confusion
- Quickened heartbeat
- Dark-color urine (indicating dehydration)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
The summer heat is going to be sweltering this season! If you can’t beat the heat, it’s at least important to be prepared.
Here are five steps for heat stroke recovery.
With these steps, you’ll know exactly how to respond so you can prevent a heat-related death.
1. Make a Move
For immediate heat stroke recovery, you need to escape the heat.
Try to find a cool place. Ideally, the patient should move into an air-conditioned room. If you can’t, at least try to find a space in the shade.
If symptoms don’t improve after 30 minutes of using this heat stroke recovery guide, call 911.
You should also call medical professionals if the heat stroke patient goes into shock, faints, or experiences seizures.
2. Pack It Up
Heat injuries occur when the body reaches temperatures of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. This can cause cellular damage after 30 minutes at these temperatures.
To cool the patient’s internal temperatures, apply cool, wet towels to their skin.
In severe cases, you can also apply ice packs under the armpits and behind the neck. A cool bath can also help improve heat stroke recovery time.
Once you regulate and lower the body’s internal temperatures, let the body rest and recover. That patient will still be sensitive to heat after experiencing heat stroke.
This can last for about a week.
During this time, avoid hot weather, hot showers, and exercise.
Check with a doctor to make sure it’s safe to return to regular activities.
3. Drink Up
Water is essential for heat stroke recovery. A sports drink with electrolytes can also help.
Make sure the patient doesn’t guzzle the drink. Instead, they should take slow sips.
Meanwhile, it’s important to avoid caffeine or alcohol during this time, which could add to the dehydration.
Aim for one liter per hour of liquid after experiencing heat stroke. You can also drink carrot soup, non-caffeinated tea, fresh fruit juices, or green coconut water to rehydrate.
IV fluid hydration can also help treat dehydration. Check in with a doctor if you’re not noticing improvement.
4. Dress Down
Tight or layered clothing can hinder heat stroke recover. Remove any extra clothing to help lower the patient’s internal body temperature.
5. Lie Back
If someone experiences heat stroke, have them lie down. Then, they should elevate their legs to get the blood flowing to their heart.
Remember, it’s important to keep internal temperatures low. Make sure the patient isn’t covered in blankets.
Beat the Heat: 5 Tips for Heat Stroke Recovery
Immediate treatment of heat stroke is crucial. It’s important to act within those first 30 minutes.
With these five tips for heat stroke recovery, you can act before it’s too late.
Contact one of our clinic locations if you have any questions. For emergencies, just walk in!
