How To Save Someone Who Suffers Sunstroke

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Summer season has started with the hottest days yet to arrive. The temperatures have started soaring and stepping out is becoming painful. But if not careful enough during this hot weather it can lead to sunstroke.

It is always advisable to be cautious and prevent such conditions but if the need be it is best to be prepared with first aid for sunstroke.

The sections of people most vulnerable to sunstroke are the elderly, babies and those with a low immune system.

Also at risk are those who spend elongated hours out in the afternoon sun, the time when the rays of the sun are the shortest and hottest.

So what exactly is sunstroke and its symptoms? And why do we need to administer immediate first aid for sunstroke? What are sunstroke and its symptoms?

Sunstroke is a heat related ailment which is caused due to an imbalance in the body’s temperature. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to alarming rise in body temperature, dehydration, convulsions and coma in extreme cases.

A case of sunstroke needs immediate attentions which, if gone unnoticed, can lead to serious consequences, even death.

The symptoms of sunstroke are not difficult to read which include:

Severe headache, rise in body temperature, vomiting and nausea, Dizziness and fainting, increased heartbeat, cramped muscles, flushed skin, nose bleeding.

Remedies
When the first signs of sunstroke appear the primary thing to do is administer first aid for sunstroke. These are mostly home remedies and very effective. With the use of daily household items and food products help is always at hand. All that is needed is a little presence of mind.

• Splash Water On Face
When you notice someone showing any signs of sunstroke, or even yourself for that matter, splash a little cold water on your face. This needs to be tap water and not cold fridge water. Splashing water will help bring down your temperature to some extent. This can be followed by other home medicines.

• Remove Extra Clothing
In case of sunstroke remove all kinds of extra clothing. This could involve caps, shoes, socks, jacket, tie, scarves etc. Needless to say keep the patient in a shaded area.

• Give A Cold Bath
With the body temperature having risen due to the hot conditions it is necessary to bring it down. As an immediate first aid for sunstroke give the affected person a cold bath. It needs to be a cold, tap water temperature bath. Do not add ice to make an extra cold bath. Keep within normal temperatures.

• Onion Juice
Onion juice has often been mentioned for the treatment of sunstroke. In fact, it is an old belief in many parts of India that keeping an onion in the pocket will prevent sunstroke. How much of that is true is not known but the consumption and application of onion juice does help.

When suffering from sunstroke apply onion juice on soles of the feet and palms of the hand. Give the patient half a cup of onion juice mixed with a heaped teaspoon of ground candy sugar once a day.

• Give Ample Fluids
Dehydration due to excessive heat leads to sunstroke and hence having ample amount of fluids is a must. Have lots of water, lemonade with a pinch of salt, raw mango drink and coconut water. Foods with high water content like watermelon, cucumber, mango, musk melon etc. are also effective remedies.

Home remedies work very effectively on cases of sunstroke but if conditions persist consult a doctor.

While it is good to know about first aid for sunstroke it would be wiser to know about the precautions against it. One very important thing is to keep oneself hydrated. Have water before stepping out in summer. Besides that wear light coloured cotton clothes, avoid stepping out in the afternoon sun, wear a head gear when out in the sun and always carry a bottle of water.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.