Heat Stroke and Sunstroke: How to Recognize and Provide First Aid

Summer heat, intense physical activity, and a lack of fluids can lead to a dangerous condition: heat stroke or sunstroke. These conditions require immediate response as they can cause serious organ damage and even be fatal [1]. Understanding the differences, symptoms, and correct first aid actions is crucial for saving a life.

What are Heat Stroke and Sunstroke?

Heat stroke is an acute condition caused by general overheating of the body, during which the body's thermoregulation ability is impaired. This can happen due to high ambient temperatures, excessive physical activity, high humidity, or insufficient fluid intake.

Sunstroke is a specific type of heat stroke and occurs as a result of direct, prolonged exposure of an uncovered head to sunlight. This causes overheating of the brain, leading to impaired functions.

Both conditions are characterized by a critical rise in body temperature, which poses a serious threat to health. Temperature is a vital physiological parameter, and its disruption—both elevation and reduction—can have serious consequences for the body, up to and including an increased risk of mortality in certain conditions, such as heart failure and acute myocardial infarction [6].

Symptoms: How to Recognize the Danger?

Symptoms of heat stroke and sunstroke can develop rapidly and require immediate attention:

• High body temperature: usually above 40°C.
• Changes in skin condition: skin may be hot, dry, and flushed, but can also be damp and clammy if the person continues to sweat.
• Impaired consciousness: confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, seizures, loss of consciousness.
• Headache and dizziness: particularly pronounced in sunstroke.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Rapid heartbeat and breathing.
• Weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps.

If these symptoms appear, immediate action must be taken.

First Aid for Heat Stroke: Act Immediately!

Immediate cooling is critical to prevent organ damage and death in heat stroke [1].

1. Call an ambulance: This is the first and most important step. Inform the dispatcher of suspected heat stroke or sunstroke.
2. Move the victim to a cool place: Take the person to the shade, an air-conditioned room, or any other cool location.
3. Remove excess clothing: Unbutton or remove heavy clothing to facilitate sweat evaporation and body cooling.
4. Start cooling:
   • Wiping and compresses: Use damp, cool towels or sponges to wipe the skin. Pay special attention to areas with large blood vessels: neck, armpits, groin area.
   • Cold compresses: Apply ice packs or cold compresses to these areas.
   • Ventilation: Use a fan or fan the victim to enhance evaporation and cooling.
   • Water immersion: If possible, place the victim in a tub of cool (not ice-cold!) water or pour cool water over them.
5. Offer fluids: If the victim is conscious and not nauseous, offer them cool water or an unsweetened drink. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
6. Monitor the condition: Constantly monitor the victim's body temperature, breathing, and level of consciousness until medical professionals arrive.

Cooling Methods: What Do Studies Say?

Research confirms that rapid reduction of core body temperature is a key factor in heat stroke. Cold-Water Immersion (CWI) is considered the recommended first-line method for cooling [1]. However, its application may be difficult in an emergency department setting, especially if the patient requires airway management or resuscitation [1].

In light of these difficulties, researchers are investigating alternative yet equally effective methods. One study describes a cooling protocol using ice-water soaked sheets. This protocol used 2.0 × 2.5 meter sheets soaked in ice water at 3–8°C. These sheets were applied to the patient's torso and limbs and replaced every 4–5 minutes, while rectal body temperature was continuously monitored. Preliminary results showed that this method is effective and feasible for rapidly lowering core body temperature in heat stroke patients [1].

Prevention: How to Avoid Overheating?

Preventing heat stroke and sunstroke is much easier than treating their consequences:

• Avoid peak heat: Try to stay indoors or in the shade during the hottest hours of the day (usually 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
• Drink plenty of fluids: Regularly consume water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid sugary carbonated drinks, alcohol, and excessive caffeine.
• Wear appropriate clothing: Choose lightweight, loose, light-colored clothing made from natural fabrics that allow the skin to breathe.
• Use headwear: Wide-brimmed hats or caps will protect your head and face from direct sunlight.
• Limit physical activity: Reduce intense workouts and heavy outdoor work during hot weather. If necessary, do this early in the morning or late in the evening.
• Take a cool shower or bath: This will help lower your body temperature.
• Never leave children or pets in parked cars: The temperature inside a vehicle can rise to dangerous levels in a matter of minutes.

Following these simple rules will help you and your loved ones safely get through the hot season.

Sources

1. Ice-water sheet coverage for rapid core temperature reduction in exertional heat stroke: A case series. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42418922/
2. Prognostic usefulness of temperature in congestive heart failure with acute myocardial infarction: a retrospective cohort study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41535884/

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for reference purposes only and is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Always consult a qualified medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and individual treatment plan.