First Aid
• Dry mouth and tongue. • Nausea and vomiting. • Irritability or agitation. • Headache. • Increased heart rate. • Increased sweating. • Cool, clammy-feeling skin. • Decreased or dark-colored urine. • Elevation of body temperature to above 105° F.
Heatstroke • Severe headache. • Weakness or having diffi culty walking. • Dizziness or feeling lightheaded. • Confusion or feeling disoriented. • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real). • Rapid, shallow breathing. • Fast heartbeat. • Loss of consciousness or passing out; being in a comatose state. • Seizures or uncontrolled shaking. • Dry, fl ushed (red and hot) skin. • Decreased sweating, or no sweating at all. • Elevation of body temperature to above 105° F. If your child shows signs and symptoms of a
heat-related illness, you should: • Call 911, and seek emergency medical care immediately. Have a friend go and get help while you stay and cool down your child. • Take your child into a cool, shady area or into an air-conditioned building or car, if possible. • Remove any unnecessary clothing to help cool down your child. Clothing retains heat, and slows the cooling process. • Have your child lie down, with her feet elevated slightly.
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To prevent dehydration, your child should drink plenty of fl uids before, during and after activity
• If your child is alert, place her in cool bathwa- ter or in the shower. If outdoors, spray your child with the mist from a garden hose. • Place cold packs or cool cloths on your child’s neck and armpits, groin, hands and feet to help cool him down. Have him sit in front of a cool fan. • If your child is alert and talking, give her frequent sips of cool, clear fl uids, such as water or sports drinks. Avoid caffeine, as it can make dehydration worse. • If your child is vomiting, turn her onto her side to prevent choking. • Avoid giving your child fever-reducing drugs, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, until you discuss it with your provider.
Prevention Is Key Many factors contribute to the risk of heat- related illness. The internal heat-regulating systems in kids are still immature, yet they must regulate a larger body surface area than adults. Conditions such as rising temperatures, direct sun, high humidity, being overweight, excessive physical exercise, clothing or sports equipment that causes excessive heat reten- tion, certain medications, dietary supplements, underlying medical issues and dehydration can increase body temperature rapidly. To prevent overheating and dehydration: • Before any outdoor activity, drink plenty of
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