According to researchers from the Macquarie University in Australia, more people have died because of ‘extreme heat events’ compared to the combined number of deaths from other natural hazards since 1900. This, of course, does not include disease epidemics. The team indicated the lowest estimate at 4,555 deaths.
Heat stroke can happen to anyone regardless of health level and pre-existing conditions. The common symptoms of heat stroke include the following:
- Heavy sweating (this could manifest in cold sweats)
- Flushed or dry skin
- Headaches
- Rapid breathing and pulse
- Nausea
- Fever above 40 degrees Celsius
- Confusion, slurred speech
- Uneasiness and agitation
- Fainting (common among senior adults)
If you think that you or someone else is suffering from heat stroke, the best thing you can do is seek help. What you do when someone appears to be suffering from heat stroke can save lives. Here’s what you can do for first aid:
- Take a cool shower or hose yourself down with cold water
- Cool yourself down with a sponge soaked in cold water
- Turn on the fan while repeating misting yourself with cold water
- Place ice packs on key areas: groin, neck and armpits
- Avoid caffeine or any alcoholic beverages that can drain even more water.
- Drink cold water until you cool down.
- If the person faints, you can do a CPR routine while waiting for help to arrive.
- Upon arriving at the hospital or clinic, inform the healthcare providers what first aid treatment you’ve conducted.
Heat stroke can be fatal in some cases if not treated properly and immediately, explains an expert from Australia Wide First Aid. This is why it’s important to learn basic first aid treatment that can save lives. First aid providers in Sydney CBD offers individuals and organisations first aid lessons for heat stroke and other incidents that require immediate attention. The knowledge can save your life and others so make sure you know what to do when heat strikes.