What to do if your child has heatstroke

LONG hours in the sun could result in heat-related conditions such as sunburn, heat exhaustion or heatstroke – which is a life-threatening condition. Babies and young children are also at risk of developing heatstroke.

Heatstroke occurs when the body’s core temperature increases beyond 40°C. It can cause an individual to slip into a coma or suffer organ failure, and can be fatal if not treated promptly and properly.

Heatstrokes should be treated as a medical emergency and you should contact emergency medical services immediately if you suspect that your child is suffering from the condition.

The symptoms of heatstroke may differ from person to person and may include heat exhaustion, nausea, headache, vomiting, fatigue, muscle cramps, aches and dizziness.

However, you should look out for the following symptoms in particular:

• High body temperature with dry flushed skin and an absence of sweating;

• Rapid pulse with trouble breathing;

• Bewilderment or confusion;

• Unusual and sometimes aggressive behaviour;

• Seizures and loss of consciousness.

It is vital to attempt to get your child’s body temperature down in order to try and prevent the risk of organ damage. If possible, place the child in a bath filled with cool or tepid water, if they are conscious, and keep a close eye on the child to make sure they don’t lose consciousness. Don’t use very cold water as it can cause peripheral circulation to shut down, thereby preventing the heat from escaping the core of the body.

Alternatively, move the child out of the sun and into the shade, and remove excessive clothing. If possible, spray the child with cool water, wipe them down using a cool and wet cloth or fan them to encourage evaporation on and cooling of the skin.

It is also vital to give the child water to drink or, even better, isotonic drinks containing electrolytes, if available and if they are able to take any liquids orally.

Commence with CPR should the child suffer heart arrest (cardiac arrest).