Beware of high temperatures even in the beginning of autumn! How to provide first aid to patients with heat stroke?

Heat stroke is an extremely serious type of heat stroke with a high mortality rate. When facing heat stroke patients, the timeliness and correctness of on-site first aid are crucial. The following are the key steps and methods for on-site first aid for heat stroke patients.

1. Quickly transfer the patient to a cool and ventilated place

If someone is found to have symptoms of heat stroke, they should be immediately moved to a cool, well-ventilated place to avoid further exposure to high temperatures. For example, move the patient from the scorching sun to the shade, an air-conditioned room, or a well-ventilated corridor.

2. Rapid cooling

Cooling down is a key step in first aid. The following measures can be taken:

Use a wet towel or ice pack to apply to the patient's forehead, neck, armpits, groin, etc. It should be noted that the ice pack should be wrapped in a towel to avoid frostbite on the skin.

Fan the patient to promote air circulation and speed up heat dissipation.

If conditions permit, you can soak the patient's body in cold water, but be careful to protect the patient's mouth and nose to avoid choking.

3. Replenish water and electrolytes

Heat stroke patients often sweat a lot, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Patients should be given appropriate amounts of water and electrolytes in a timely manner. Patients can be allowed to drink small amounts of light salt water or sports drinks multiple times. However, if the patient is already in a coma and cannot drink water on his own, water should not be force-fed to avoid choking or suffocation.

4. Keep the airway open

Tilt the patient's head to one side, clear foreign objects from the mouth and nose, and prevent vomitus from blocking the airway. If the patient has respiratory and cardiac arrest, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation immediately.

5. Call for emergency services promptly

While performing first aid on the spot, you should call 120 as soon as possible and wait for the arrival of professional medical staff. While waiting, you should closely observe the patient's condition, such as consciousness, breathing, heartbeat, etc.

Heat stroke is a serious emergency, and every step of on-site first aid is related to the patient's life safety. We should raise our awareness and vigilance of heat stroke, master the correct on-site first aid methods, and buy precious treatment time for patients.