Have you heard of heat stroke in children? 

Do you know that children can have a stroke due to heat?

WHAT IS HEAT STROKE?

Heat stroke is an extreme form of heat-related illness. Heat illnesses include heat rash, sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. 

Heat stroke results when the body cannot cool down, resulting in a steep increase in the body temperature over a short time. Heat stroke can result in injury to the brain or vital body organs. 

Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention as it can be fatal or cause permanent impairment if there is a delay in care.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 33 children died of heat stroke in the US in 2022 because of being trapped in a hot car.

RISK FACTORS FOR HEAT STROKE

• Young age
• Increased humidity
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Intense sports outdoors during high ambient temperatures
• Sunburn
• Obesity

SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE

• Elevated body temperature above 103 deg F/39.44 deg Centigrade.
• Headache.
• Increased pulse rate.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea.
• Confusion.
• Skin is dry and hot.
• Loss of consciousness.

TIPS TO STAY COOL

• Increase water intake.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, and absorbent clothing.
• Use sunscreen liberally. Ensure the sunscreen has at least 15 spf or higher and protects against UVA/UVB rays.
• NEVER LEAVE INFANTS OR CHILDREN IN A PARKED CAR, EVEN IF THE WINDOWS ARE OPEN! A tip: if traveling with an infant or child in the back seat, put your handbag, laptop bag, or phone near your child’s car seat. Since these are items you need to take out of the car, you will likely remember the child in the car.
• Avoid intense play/sports outdoors when the ambient temperature is high.
• Take frequent breaks.
• Use Air conditioning.

WHAT DO YOU DO IF A CHILD HAS HEAT STROKE?

• Call 911; it is a medical emergency.
• Help lower the body temperature by taking it to a shaded area, giving a cool bath, or using cool wipes.
• Heat stroke causes altered consciousness, so DO NOT give anything to drink.

HEAT STROKE IS PREVENTABLE. 

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE!

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Mail