First Aid & Emergencies

Understanding Heat-Related Illness -- Treatment

What Are the Treatments for Heat-Related Illness?

Heat cramps can usually be alleviated by escaping the heat, resting, drinking moderately salty beverages, and eating moderately salty foods. Gentle massage or firm pressure applied to cramping muscles can alleviate spasms. In severe cases, the victim may need intravenous fluids and salts. If heat cramps do not go away, call your doctor for advice.

For Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

First, GET HELP. It is critical that emergency medical assistance be called as soon as possible. Then, if possible, get the victim to drink, but don't force fluids if the person is confused or has passed out.

The primary treatment for heat exhaustion is replacement of lost fluids and salt. Victims should be moved to a cool environment, lie flat or with their feet raised slightly above head level, and sip a cool, slightly salty beverage -- such as a salty sports drink, salted tomato juice, cool bouillon, or plain drinking water with salt added (one level teaspoon of salt per quart of water).

Heat stroke usually develops rapidly and can cause permanent brain damage or death if not treated promptly. Anyone with heat stroke needs emergency medical attention.

• While help is on the way, move the victim into the shade; wrap them in cool, wet bedding or clothing; or remove the victim's clothes and sponge his body with cool water until help arrives.
• Ice packs can be placed on the groin, neck, or underarms; or the victim can be fanned by hand or with an electric fan or a blow-dryer set on cold (do not use a blow-dryer that blows only hot air).
• If possible, use a thermometer to monitor the person's temperature and stop cooling treatments if his temperature normalizes.
• Once at the hospital, a person who has suffered heat stroke may be given intravenous drugs to control seizures or other complications, may receive additional intravenous fluids, and will likely be confined to bed rest and monitored for 24 hours to several days.