Heat Stroke

Heatstroke occurs when the body temperature exceeds 40°C. This causes a failure of the brain’s thermostat, leading to the body becoming dangerously overheated. In some cases heat stroke can follow heat exhaustion when sweating stops and the body can no longer be cooled by the sweat. It is an emergency and needs medical help urgently as it can lead to severe organ damage and death if the temperature is not reduced promptly. 

Recognition

• A temperature of 40°C or above
• Confusion
• Agitated 
• Low levels of consciousness
• Seizures
• Intense headache 
• Nausea and vomiting
• Flushed, hot, dry skin

Treatment

• Quickly move the child from the heat source  and call 999/112
• Sit them down 
• Cool them as rapidly as possible. The fastest methods are to immerse the whole body in cold water from the neck down, you can use a shower or a garden hose or use large bags of ice on the neck armpits and groin
• Monitor and record the child’s vital signs
• If they become unresponsive open the airway and check breathing