The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1897-07-08
IN CASES OF sUNsTRoKE.
What to Do to Avoid It and How to Cure 1t.
Necessary Precautions

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Necessary Precautions.
SunstrOke is condition caused by
exposure to excessive heat. Two forms
are recognized exhaustion and
heatstroke.
Heat Observation-Disclosures expos
ure to high temperature, particularly
when combined with physical exertion,
| is liable to be followed by great
prostration, collapse, restlessness, and
severe cases of delirium. Unlike heat
stroke, the surface of the BODY is
usually cool, the pulse small and rapid,
and the temperature below normal-as
low as % degrees F. or 90 degrees F.
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, con-
fined rooms during midsummer, and
when exposed to great artificial heat,
as in laundries, foundries, bakeshops,
and engine rooms.
Sunstroke or Heatstroke-This is
chiefly confined to persons working
very hard while exposed to the sun. 1t
is common in our large cities, but it is
not unknown to the country. Those
habituated to the use of beer and
whisky, and the debilitated, are
especially predisposed to attacks.
The attack may be sudden and the
patient be struck down and die within
an hour with symptoms of heart failure,
difficult breathing, and loss of con-
seriousness. The usual form comes on
during exposure, with pain in the head,
dizziness, feeling of weakness, and
sometimes nausea and vomiting. The
loss of consciousness may be only
transient or it may be complete. The
face is flushed, the skin pungent, the
pulse rapid and full, and the temper
allure very high, from 10Y degrees
Fahrenheit to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The breathing is labored and deep,
sometimes loud. 1t is important to
note that in heat exhaustion the skin is
moist, pale, and cool; the breathing
easy, though hurried; the pulse small
and soft, and the senses entire; while in
heatstroke there is usually insensibility
and great heat of skin.
Dark, close-fitting, and heavy cloth
ing, and such as congresses the chest
and neck should not be worn during
the heated term. For those who are
obliged to labor in the sun, light
clothing and a straw or light felt hat,
permitting free circulation of air, are
preferable.
On very hot days one should drink
frequently of cool water in moderate
quantity 1t is injurious to drink q
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 safe and
refreshing drink. Immediate death is
sometimes caused by ''ice cold drinks"
The moderate use of alcoholic bever-
ages is also dangerous.
The sleeping room should be freely
ventilated. When Oyerheated work
slowly, frequently cooling the head,
chest, back, and wrists in cool water.
Keep wet sponge or cloth in the hat.
When on a very hot day the skin be-
comes hot and dry and a singing,
burning sensation is felt in the head,
and the face is flushed and the eyes
bloodshot, the person should immedi-
ately quit work, seek quiet and cool
place, and if not speedily relieved from
the oppressive sensation of heat, take
cold bath, submerging or wetting the
head
Remove the patient to 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
(ice water) upon the head and chest !
and wrists until consciousness returns. |
Apply ice to the head and rub the body
with it, but if the skin is cold no ice
should be applied. When practicable
the patient should be put in bath at
70 degrees F. to reduce the temper
allure.
In heat exhaustion stimulants should |
be given freely, and if the temperature
is below normal, as shown by the skin
being cold and clammy, the hot bath
should be used. Ammonia and water
may be given if necessary.
The subject of sunstroke is liable to
a second attack, and should do no
mental work for months and keep from
all excitement.