First Aid for Heatstroke in Children
Symptoms of heat-related illness include: The child's skin may initially appear red, but it will feel dry and warm to the touch. They may become restless and cry, with an increased respiratory and pulse rate. This can progress to lethargy, dizziness, seizures, or a coma. Body temperature can measure above 39°C. Emergency treatment is as follows:
1. Maintain an open airway.
2. Give the child a caffeine-free cool drink every 10 to 15 minutes, but do not give one if they are vomiting.
3. Move the child to a cool, shaded area. Remove their clothing and use a fan or air conditioning to lower the ambient temperature. Wipe their entire body with a cool, damp towel (moisten with tap water only; do not use alcohol or ice water). Alternatively, place them in a cool (not cold) bath to lower their body temperature (rectal temperature) to 39°C, but do not let it drop too suddenly. Do not use ice water or ice cubes, as the extreme cold will cause blood vessels in the skin to constrict, blocking blood flow and preventing the body from releasing heat. Do not give the child standard fever-reducing medication, as its mechanism of action (lowering the body's temperature set point) is actually detrimental to the body in cases of heat-related illness.
4. Seek immediate medical treatment.
Prevention
1. Do not leave the child in direct sunlight. A closed car without air conditioning is also very dangerous.
2. Ensure good ventilation in the surrounding environment and maintain a comfortable temperature.
3. Do not wrap infants too tightly.
4. Pay attention to the child's fluid intake. If the child is sick with a fever or has diarrhea, be especially mindful of providing fluids to prevent excessive water loss and dehydration.