Emergency first aid

Emergency first aid for heatstroke is needed immediately because this condition is life-threatening. After calling 911 or other emergency medical services, follow these first aid steps:

• Move the person into a cool place, out of direct sunlight.
• Remove the person's unnecessary clothing and place the person on his or her side to expose as much skin surface to the air as possible.
• Cool the person's entire body by sponging or spraying cool (not cold) water and fan the person to lower the person's body temperature. Watch for signs of rapidly progressing heatstroke.
• Apply ice packs on the groin, neck, and armpits, where large blood vessels lie close to the skin surface. Do not immerse the person in an ice bath.
• Check the person's rectal temperature often, and try to cool it to 102 F or lower as soon as possible. The longer the body is at a high temperature, the more serious the illness and the more likely it is that complications will develop. Temperatures taken by mouth or in the ear are not accurate in this emergency situation.
• If breathing stops, begin rescue breathing.
• Do not give aspirin or acetaminophen to reduce a high body temperature that can occur with heatstroke. These medications may cause problems because of the body's response to heatstroke.
• If the person is awake and alert enough to swallow, give the person fluids [32 fl oz to 64 fl oz over 1 to 2 hours] for hydration. Most people with heatstroke have an altered level of consciousness and cannot safely be given fluids to drink. You may have to help. Make sure the person is sitting up enough so that he or she does not choke.

Home treatment for mild heat-related illness

When recognized in the early stages, most heat-related illnesses, such as mild heat exhaustion, can be treated at home.

• Stop your activity, and rest.
• Get out of direct sunlight and lie down in a cooler environment, such as shade or an air-conditioned area. Elevate your feet. Remove all unnecessary clothing.
• Cool down by applying cool compresses or having a fan blow on you. Place ice bags under your arms and in your groin area, where large blood vessels lie close to the skin surface, to cool down quickly.
• Drink rehydration drinks, juices, or water to replace fluids. Drinks such as sports drinks that contain electrolytes work best. Drink 2 qt of cool fluids over 2 to 4 hours. You are drinking enough fluids if your urine is normal in color and amount, and you are urinating every 2 to 4 hours. Total rehydration with oral fluids usually takes about 36 hours, but most people will begin to feel better within a few hours.
• Rest for 24 hours, and continue fluid replacement with a rehydration drink. Rest from any strenuous physical activity for 1 to 3 days.