The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1879-07-23
Treatment of Sunstroke.
Sanitary Superintendent Tells Us What
to do With Coup de Soliel..
New York Post.1


Several fatal cases of sunstroke having
already been reported this season, and there
being danger of many more if there should be
much hot weather during the summer, Assist
ant Sanitary Superintendent James was APP
piled to to-day for some information on the SUBJ
iect of prostration by the heat. He said that
the term sunstroke, or insulation, was COM
monty applied to all cases where persons were
seriously overcome by the heat of the weather,
which sometimes occurred at night but that it
was especially likely to take place when one
was exposed to the direct rays of the sun, I'M
less there was something to cool the system by
occasoning rapid evaporation from the body.
The dryer the air was, the more free was this
evaporation, and therefore the danger of pros
tration was greatest on sultry days, when the
air was filled with moisture. Sunstroke was
often sudden its effect being congestion of
the brain, and perhaps of other internal organs.
together with general nervous exhaustion.
The more strength and vigor person possesses
the less likely he was to be prostrated in this
manner, and. therefore old people, children and
persons of any age who were ill or wearied,
were especially liable to be affected by sun
stroke. Persons who been drinking much al
coholic liquor of any sort, or were in the habit
of doing so, were also particularly exposed to
danger.
AS to the precautions to be observed in very
hot weather, DIR. james said that the principal
safeguard against injurious effects from the
heat was moderation in all things-in eating,
in drinking and in exercise. Of course it was
desirable to keep in the shade as much as pos
should keep cabbage leaf or wet cloth on the
head, inside the hat AS to diet, there were
no particular rules, except that persons should
eat what agreed with them and was easily
digested. The appetite was usually not so
keen in summer as in winter, and there was
less need of meat or fat. Ice water could be
taken moderately without danger, but when
drunk in large quantities it was very injurious,
as it was likely to check perspiration too sud-
denly and cause too sudden reduction in the
temperature of the stomach. Cold tea was an
excellent summer drink, as it was stimulating
and readily quenched thirst. If person was
in the habit of taking alcoholic beverages,
claret was as cooling and healthful as any.
In regard to the treatment of persons over
come by the heat, DR.. James referred to the
following circular, which was prepared by the
Sanitary Committee of the Board of Health
several years ago:
Sunstroke is caused by excessive heat, and
especially if the weather is ''muggy." 1t is
more apt to occur on the second, third or fourth
day of heated term than ON the first. Loss of
sleep, worry, excitement, close sleeping room,
debility, abuse of stimulants, predispose to it.
1t is more apt to attack those working in the
sun, and especially between the hours of IL
o'clock in the morning and four o'clock in the
afternoon. On hot days wear thin clothing.
Have as cool sleeping rooms as possible. Avoid
loss of sleep AID all unnecessary fatigue. If
working indoors, and where there is artificial
heat-laundres, etc.-see that the room is we'll
ventilated.
If working in the sun, wear o light hat mot
black, as it absorbs heat), straw. etc., and put
inside of it on the head wet cloth or large
green leaf; frequently lift the hat
from the head and see that the cloth is
wet. Do not check perspiration, but
drink what water you need to keep it up
as perspiration prevents the body from be-
ing overheated. Have whenever possible an
additional shade, as thin umbrella when walk
ing, a canvass or board cover when working in
the SUM- When much fatigued do not go to
work, be excused from work, especially after
IL o'clock in the morning on very hot days, if
the work is in the sun. If a feeling of dizzi-
ness, headache or exhaustion occurs, cease
work Immediately, lie down in a shady and
cool place; apply cold cloths to and pour cold
water over head and neck. If any one is over
come by the heat, send Immediately for the
nearest good physician. While waiting for the
physician give the person cool drinks of water
or cold black tea Or coffee if able to swallow.
If the skin is hot and dry, sponge with or pour
cold water over the body and limbs and apply
to the head pounded ice wrapped in towel or
other CLOTH If there is no ice at hand, keep a
cold cloth on the head, and pour cold water on
it as well as ON the body.
If the person is pale, very faint and pulse
feeble, let him inhale ammonia for few sec
onds, or give him teaSpoonful of aromatic
spirits of ammonia in two tablespoonfuls of wa
ter with little sugar. fsft