The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-06-24
HOW TO AVOID SUNSTROKE.
And What to DO When Attacked by That
Dangerous Malady.


From the Philadelphia Record.
Sunstroke weather has followed
sharply upon pneumonia weather this
season. Here are the rules issued by
the board of health for preventing and
treating sunstrolte: Sunstroke is a con-
dltion caused by exposure to excessive
heat. Two forms are recognized-heat
exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat haustion-Prolonged exposure
to high temperature. particularly when
combined with physical eXertion, is lia
BILE to be followed by great prostraton,
collapse, restlessness, and, in severe
cases, by delirium. Unlike heat stroke,
the surface of the body is usually cool,
the pulse small and rapid, and the tenn
perature below normal-as low as % or
96 degrees. 1t is not necessary that the
person shall have been exposed to the
direct rays of the sun, as the condition
may come on when working in close,
confined rooms during midsummer, and
when exposed to great artificial heat.
as in laundries, foundries, bake shops,
and engine rooms.
Sunstroke or heat stroke-This is
chiefly confined to persons working
very hard while exposed to the sun. 1t
is common in our large cities, but is not
unknown in the country. Those habitu-
ated to the use of beer and whisky and
the debiitated are especially predis-
posed to attacks.
The attack may be sudden and the
patient be stricken down and die WITH
in an hour with symptoms of heart tali-
ure, difficult breathing and loss of con-
sciousness. The usual form comes on
during exposure, with pain in the head,
dizziness, a feeling of weakness and
sometimes nausea and vomiting. The
loss of consciousness may be only tran
sient or it may be complete. The race
Is flushed, the skin pungent, the pulse
rapid and full and the temperature very
high, from 81 degrees to ITO degrees.
The breathing is labored and deep
sometimes loud. 1t isimportant to note
that in heat exhaustion the SKIN Is
moist, pale and cool; the pulse small
and soft, and the senses entire; Whl!e
in heat stroke there is usually insensi-
bility and great heat of skin.
Wear Light Clothing.
Dark. close-fitting and heavy cloth
Il
and neck should not be worn during
the heated term. For those VINO are
obliged to labor in the sun, light cloth
ing and q straw or light felt mat, per-
mitting free circulation of the air, are
preferable.
on very hot days one should drink
frequently of cool water in moderate
quantity. II is injurious to drink
large quantity of ice water cold beer
soda water or other mineral waters or
iced drinks Cool water in which oat-
meal has been stirred is n safe and re-
freshing drink. Immediate death Is
sometimes caused by 'Ice cold' drinks
The immoderate use of alcoholic bev-
eragc is also dangerous
The sleeping room should be freely
ventilated. Constipation of the bowels
should be avoided. When ovcrheated
work slowly. frequently cooling the
head chest. back and wrists with cool
water. Keep wet sponge or cloth in
the hat. When. on very hot day the
skin becomes hot and dry, and a sting
ing. burning sensation is felt in the
head and the face Is flushed and the
eyes bloodshot and there is tendency
to urinate frequently, the person should
Immediately quit work, seek quiet and
cool place. and If not speedily re-
lieved from the oppressive sensation of
heat, take cold bath, submerglng or
wetting the head
Remove the patient to n cool and
shady place. where there Is plenty of
fresh, pure air Strip the clothing to
the waist, and place the sufferer in
a recumbent position. Pour cold water
| dee wateD upon the head and chest