Quick Method to Relieve Sunstroke
Sunstroke and heatstroke are similar in their effects on the body. Sunstroke results from direct heat rays of the sun. Heatstroke may arise from indoor heat plus low humidity. Lack of normal sweating, which is the body’s way of releasing excess heat, may raise the individual’s temperature to 105 degrees or more. At first the victim may be mentally confused and complain of a bad headache. Later he may become delirious. Unless he is given help at once, his blood pressure may fall to a low level, and the pulse become rapid and weak.
What to do: Send for a doctor at once. Mean while, carry the victim to a cool place as quickly as possible. Keep him lying down. Remove his outer clothing and apply ice bags or cold cloths to the head, to help cool the brain and restore the temperature to normal.
If possible, wrap the patient in a wet sheet and then pour cold water over him frequently until the skin resumes its direction of the heart to aid circulation. Give no stimulants. Get the victim to hospital or to doctor as soon as possible.