Where There Is No Doctor 2011 81
EMERGENCIES CAUSED BY HEAT
Heat Cramps
In hot weather people who work hard and sweat a
lot sometimes get painful cramps in their legs, arms, or
stomach. These occur because the body lacks salt.
Treatment: Put a teaspoon of salt in a liter of boiled
water and drink it. Repeat once every hour until the
cramps are gone. Have the person sit or lie down in a
cool place and gently massage the painful areas.
Heat Exhaustion
Signs: A person who works and sweats a lot in hot weather may become very
pale, weak, and nauseous, and perhaps feel faint. The skin is cool and moist. The
pulse is rapid and weak. The temperature of the body may rise but is usually normal
(see p. 31).
Treatment: Have the person lie down in a cool place, raise his feet, and rub his
legs. Give salt water to drink: 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a liter of water. (Give nothing by
mouth while the person is unconscious.)
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is not common, but is very dangerous. It occurs especially in older
people, very fat people, and alcoholics during hot weather.
Signs: The skin is red, very hot, and dry. Not even the armpits are moist. The
person has a very high fever, sometimes more than 42°C, and a rapid heartbeat.
Often he is unconscious.
Treatment: The body temperature must be lowered immediately. Put the
person in the shade. Soak him with cold water (ice water if possible) and fan him.
Continue until the fever drops. Seek medical help.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ‘HEAT EXHAUSTION’ AND ‘HEAT STROKE’:
HEAT EXHAUSTION
• sweaty, pale, cool skin
• large pupils
• weakness
HEAT STROKE
• dry, red, hot skin
• high fever
• the person is very ill
or unconscious
For emergencies caused by cold, see p. 408 and 409.