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Be Alert with Heat Stroke

To prevent unintended incidents, it is advised that the public be vigilant for the early signs of heatstroke, particularly in children and the elderly.

A heat stroke is defined as a potentially fatal condition marked by a core body temperature that is higher than 40°C and central nervous system dysfunction that causes delirium, convulsions, or coma.

Heat-related illnesses can range in severity from mild to severe as shown in the table below.

Severity Types Definition
Mild Heat edema A self-limiting process that appears when exposed to a hot environment and is characterized by mild swelling of the hands, ankles, and feet.
Mild Prickly heat Small, raised, itchy rash that appears in places where sweat collects.
Mild Heat cramps Painful muscle spasms that occur due to dehydration and loss of nutrients from excessive sweating. Heat cramps are most common in the abdomen, back, arms, or legs.
Mild Heat syncope Heat syncope is a fainting (syncope) episode or dizziness due to dehydration and lack of acclimatization.
Mild Heat exhaustion Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating.
Major Heat stroke A potentially fatal condition marked by a fever that reaches 40°C or higher and central nervous system dysfunction that causes delirium, convulsions, or coma.

Source: Centers of Disease Control Prevention, 13 May 2022.

Climate change or hot weather conditions are something that we cannot prevent. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid exposure to heat. If you need to go out, take precautions such as using an umbrella and suitable clothing.

The heat illnesses signs and symptoms are varied from each other. Let's examine the table shown.

Heat related illness First Aid Action
Heat stroke
  • Call 999 for emergency medical care
  • Stay with the person until emergency medical services arrive.
  • Move the person to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothin
  • Call 999 for emergency medical care • Stay with the person until emergency medical services arrive. • Move the person to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothin
    • With a cold water or ice bath, if possible
    • Wet the skin
    • Place cold wet cloth on the skin
    • Soak clothing with cool water
  • Circulate the air around the worker to speed cooling.
  • Place cold wet cloth or ice on the head, neck, armpits and groin; or soak the clothing with cool water.
Heat exhaustion
  • Take the person to a clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment.
  • Call 999 if medical care is unavailable.
  • Have someone stay with the person until help arrives.
  • Remove the person from the hot area and give liquids to drink.
  • Remove unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks.
  • Cool the person with cold compresses or have the worker wash their head, face, and neck with cold water.
  • Encourage frequent sips of cool water.
Heat syncope
  • Sit or lie down in a cool place.
  • Slowly drink water, clear juice, or a sports drink.
Heat cramps
  • Drink water and have a snack or a drink that replaces carbohydrates and electrolytes (such as sports drinks) every 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Avoid salt tablets.
  • Get medical help if the worker;
    • Has heart problem
    • Is on low sodium diet
    • Has cramps that do not subside within 1 hour
Prickly heat
  • Work in a cooler, less humid environment, if possible.
  • Keep the rash area dry.
  • Apply powder to increase comfort.
  • Don’t use ointments and creams.

Source: Centers of Disease Control Prevention, 13 May 2022.

Climate change or hot weather conditions are something that we cannot prevent. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid exposure to heat. If you need to go out, take precautions such as using an umbrella and suitable clothing