Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia, also known as heat stroke or sunstroke, is an acute condition resulting from the body producing or absorbing more heat than it can dissipate, usually due to excessive exposure to heat. The homeothermal regulatory mechanisms eventually become overwhelmed and unable to effectively deal with the heat, and body temperature climbs uncontrollably. This is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate hospitalization. Body temperatures above 40 °C (104 °F) are life-threatening. At 41 °C (106 °F), brain death begins, and at 45 °C (113 °F) death is nearly certain. Internal temperatures above 50 °C (122 °F) will cause rigidity in the muscles and certain, immediate death.

First aid

• Remove person from hot area into cooler area
• Remove excess clothing.
• Call your local emergency telephone number (999 (United Kingdom), 911 (USA and Canada) or 112 (European Union countries including the United Kingdom and GSM mobiles). Numbers will be different in other countries.
• Bathe person in cool water, or use a cool shower and then wrap them in a wet towel and use a fan over them. (Remember do not get electric fans wet). (Avoid using a bath for an unconscious person because they may drown, but cool with water spray or showers etc. If a bath is the only thing available, use shallow water if they are unconscious and make sure that the head is above water and they are constantly watched) (Do NOT use freezing water or water too cold)
• Do NOT give anything by mouth to persons who are unconscious because they could choke.
• Do NOT give the victim anything by mouth (even water) until the condition has been stabilized
• Because it can be fatal even after first aid treatment; they shall need to obtain medical treament regardless of whether they appear to be recovering and they must not be left unattended.
• Monitor their breathing and heart rate.
• Use cold compresses - especially to the head and neck area, also to armpits and groin.
• Continue first aid to lower temperature until medical help takes over.
• Do NOT give any medication to lower fever because it will not be effective and may cause further harm.
• Do NOT use an alcohol rub.
• Place victim into the recovery position.
• Prepare to follow the instructions of the emergency operator as they may have to instruct you on how to do CPR if there is cardiac arrest. So check pulse and breathing to ensure that they still have a heart beat and are breathing as if they are not - you will need to tell the operator advising you.
• It is best to keep the person cool until help arrives with cold towels as well as take their temperature to know not to over-cool a person in cool water conditions because of the risk of hypothermia.