An overheated body results in systems shutting down. The first warning sign will be an erratic heartbeat or palpitations. Rapid shallow breathing may also occur on its own or along with the fluctuating heart rate. If you should suddenly feel as if your heart is beating too fast or if you can’t breathe call emergency or seek immediate help.
The first thing to do is to get out of the sun and reduce your core temperature with ice packs or a cold compress to the groin, armpits and forehead. A cold shower would be best. Should you experience breathing difficulties and an elevated heart rate, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
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A major warning sign of sunstroke is disorientation or confusion. People with sunstroke may start staggering or even slurring words. Moving out of the sun is always the first thing you should do but any behavioral changes is a sign that something is wrong.
Disorientation can get serious. Drink water to reduce your core temperature and place ice packs around your back, armpits, groin and forehead. If the disorientation or confusion doesn’t not cease, call a doctor or emergency immediately.
Like increased heart rate and rapid breathing, disorientation can have serious consequences. Get out of the sun, drink water, and try to reduce your core temperature with a cold bath or shower, or by placing ice packs around the core (back, armpits, and groin). If the confusion worsens or doesn’t pass, contact a healthcare professional.
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The most serious case and warning sign of sun stroke is loss of consciousness or even fainting briefly. A patient suffering heat stroke will always display warning signs prior to losing consciousness which is why moving out of the sun is extremely important. If you happen to be with someone who loses consciousness because of sunstroke, call 911 immediately. Ask the attendant for advice on what course of action can be taken till help arrives.
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