Jaipur, May 17, 2025.
Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when the body’s cooling system completely stops working. It can develop if a person is in a warm space, like a living space without air conditioning or if you are doing physical activity that generate lots of body heat.
Heatstroke can affect anyone at any time. It’s important to recognise the symptoms promptly and have immediate first aid measures ready to prevent serious complications.
According to the “Heat Watch 2024” report, titled Struck by Heat: A News Analysis of Heat Stroke Deaths in India in 2024, between March and June, 733 deaths due to heatstroke were reported across 17 states in India. Take a look at this map showing the distribution of deaths in those states—the total adds up to 733 deaths.
Heatstroke causes body temperature to soar to dangerous levels, typically above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degree celsius). The patient may have nausea, vomiting and dizziness. If any of these symptoms occur, that person should be treated with an immediate medical emergency.
What should be done as first aid?
Move the person to a cooler environment: Relocate the person to a shaded or air-conditioned area so that their body temperature comes to normal.
Remove excess clothing: In such a scenario, it is necessary to remove excess clothing as much as possible to expose the skin to air, facilitating heat dissipation.
Apply Ice pack: Cold water should be sprinkled to the affected person or ice packs should be applied, if available. Cold, wet clothes can also be applied to areas like armpits, neck and groin.
Clear airway secretions: Administer I.V. fluids (Normal Saline) to maintain hydration, provide oxygen inhalation to support breathing, and clear airway secretions to ensure proper airflow.
Bath with cold water: Dr. Sunit says, it is essential that the person take bath with cold water, if needed. Bathing with hot water will only worsen the condition by making body temperature more hot.
