How Should a Heat Stroke Victim Be Treated?
If a medical professional is available, it´s always best to leave a heat stroke victim´s care to the professionals. However, heat stroke victims need immediate assistance to reduce the risk of organ damage. So if no professionals are around to help, the following approach can help reduce the risk of long-standing side effects and possibly even death. 1. Cool the victim. 2. Get the victim into the shade, remove the victim´s clothing and apply cool water to the skin. 3. Fan the victim to promote sweating and evaporation, and if available place ice packs under the armpits and in the groin. 4. Continually monitor body temperature and cooling the victim until the body temperature drops to 101-102 F. For more information on heat stroke, consult a physician.
