First aid for heat exhaustion, heatstroke, sunburns and burns

Severe and lengthy heat waves can be dangerous. St. John Ambulance urges families to watch for these signs and provide immediate first aid measures.

Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is caused by exposure to excessive heat and is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Some of the following signs and symptoms may be present; muscular cramps; headache; dizziness; exhaustion; cold, clammy, pale skin; weak and rapid pulse; and rapid shallow breathing.

1. Place the person at rest in a cool place with feet and legs elevated. Loosen constrictive clothing and remove excess clothing.
2. Give a fully conscious casualty as much water as he or she is able to drink. If unconscious, do not give anything by mouth. Put the unconscious person into the recovery position. Call 9-1-1. Monitor airway, breathing and circulation closely.

Heatstroke
Heatstroke, a life-threatening condition, is caused by exposure to high temperatures and hot, dry winds or high humidity and poor circulation. Signs and symptoms include a flushed face and hot skin, which may be either wet or dry, a temperature of 40°C (104°F) or higher, a rapid and full pulse, noisy breathing, restlessness, headache and dizziness.

Unconsciousness may develop quickly and convulsions may occur. The person may die unless the body temperature is reduced quickly. To do so, remove the casualty’s clothing and bathe him or her in cool water or wrap in a wet, cool sheet. Keep the sheet wet. If unconscious, put the person into the recovery position. Call 9-1-1. When the body temperature is lowered to 38°C (slightly above normal), cover the person with a dry sheet and keep as cool as possible.

Sunburn
For minor sunburn, place the person in the shade and apply cool water or cloths soaked in cool water. Commercial ointment or cream may be used (Caution: an allergic reaction might occur.) Extreme sun exposure may cause swelling and blistering. Such cases should be treated as a severe burn.

Burns

1. Lessen swelling and blistering, and relieve pain by immediately immersing the burned area in cool water or by applying cloths soaked in cool water. Do not place a burn under extreme water pressure, such as a strong-running tap, since it may further damage the tissues.
2. Remove rings or other jewellery and constrictive clothing before swelling or blistering occurs. Do not remove clothing that is stuck to the burned area. Do not apply butter, ointments or oil dressings.
3. Cover the burned area with a dry, sterile dressing if possible, otherwise use a clean cloth.

These survival tips will assist you with heat-related emergency situations but they should never be considered as a replacement for a first aid course. In any emergency situation always obtain trained medical assistance as quickly as possible.

These first aid and survival tips are put together by experienced first aid professionals from St. John Ambulance Canada.