Summer In Boynton Beach | How To Spot And Treat A Heat Stroke

how to spot and treat a heatstroke

The Summer is in full swing, and with it comes the annual spat of heatstrokes, fainting, and otherwise dramatic and frightening medical episodes that can be fatal, but are easily avoided. For those of us who haven't lived here long, or haven't learned their lesson, hold onto this helpful guide on how to spot and treat a heatstroke! You never know when it will come in handy.

hiker drinking water under hot sun

If You're Feeling Thirsty, You're Already Dehydrated

Chances are you've heard this before, perhaps at a young age when first learning of the nature of heat exhaustion. If you're feeling dehydrated (even in the slightest) your body is already calling for help. Don't panic! Just because you're aware of this fact doesn't mean every pang of thirst is a stern warning or an impending emergency. However, it is causing you to slow down, find some shade, and give yourself a water break. 

clammy skin

Are You Sweaty, Or Clammy?

At peak performance, a hydrated person should be dripping sweat, with damp but not clammy skin and runny sweat cascading down the body. When skin is "clammy," which is damp and sweaty but more sticky than wet, it is an early sign of dehydration and potential heat exhaustion impending. Clammy skin is your body's way of sweating with minimal hydration, hence the uncomfortable texture and limited sweat that sticks to the body more than it drips off.

leg cramping

Cramping In Arms, Legs, Or Stomach

If you've ever had to run a mile in the Florida heat you may have experienced a stomach cramp that knots your stomach with every footfall. Though these aren't as bad as the routine cramps athletes endure in the hamstring and calf, each of these cramps is enough to double overall but the fittest of athletes. When your body is working hard, sweat is its way of cooling itself, while water carries oxygen molecules that are fundamental to staving off cramps and prolonging endurance. A cramp may not always be a telltale sign of heat exhaustion, but it is a definite expression of dehydration and overexertion. Be sure to hydrate and stretch before prolonged activity.

headache

Where's Your Head At?

Are you dizzy, does your head hurt? Are you nauseous? All of these uncomfortable feelings above the neck can be sure signs of heat exhaustion. However, these are also very common symptoms of hundreds of conditions and do not indicate a certain impending heatstroke. Headaches, dizziness, and general confusion are hallmarks of everything from a stroke to a simple cold, and not something that should be mortally feared, but also never taken lightly. Regardless of what the cause might be, a headache is the result of something you and your body should be working to remove as effectively as possible.

treating a heat stroke

Treating a Heat Stroke

So you've experienced all the symptoms and are certain your or someone you're with is suffering from a heat stroke. These are several of the most important and simple steps to take that can mitigate and eliminate the symptoms of a heat stroke.

  • Find shade and sit with support if possible. 
  • Sip cool water slowly. Avoid ice-cold water, and avoid drinking too quickly.
  • Apply a cool compress to the back of the neck, and underarms. These areas are rich with blood vessels close to the skin.
  • Monitor breathing and remove any airway blockages
  • Immerse in cool water once shelter has been found, and remain in a cool environment until symptoms subside.

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