Heat Stroke (HB)
Heatstroke is an Increase in the body core temperature that has caused brain dysfunction. The increase in core temperature is from an inability to dissipate heat quickly enough.
We used to think that all patients with heatstroke would be red and dry because they could no longer sweat. We now know that is not correct–a patient can still have plenty of fluid on board but just not able to keep up with the heat challenge to the degree that their body temperature reaches a dangerous level.
Ever see the signs around a hot tub or sauna? How about environmental protection gear like a military MOPP suit? If you stay in an environment where the temperature is too hot for too long and don’t allow the body the chance to cool itself, you can get heatstroke.
Prevention
You can prevent heat stroke by reducing the workload, protecting from the hot environment, and staying hydrated.
Signs and Symptoms
Same as heat exhaustion, except the patient will have severely altered mental status or decreased level of consciousness. Like heat exhaustion, you should not rely on the skin as a predictable indicator for heatstroke.
Treatment
Rapid cooling of the core temperature is the priority. This priority means removing the patient to as cool of an area as possible and doing what you can to cool them down. If you can immerse them in a cold stream, do it. If you have to dump water on them and then fan air over them to try and create an evaporative effect, do it. Whatever it takes.
Damaged tissue swells and leaks, so the patient’s potential to develop increased ICP is a possibility for 24 hours. Heatstroke is always an evacuation. The priority of the evac is based on the patient’s condition.