The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-08-14
HINTS ON srJNsTRoKEs.


Many sunstrokes and sunstroke
deaths could be averted by a few. sim
pie precautions, writes Walter Peet, Nj.
D., in the New York World Many
persons overestimate their resisting
power to heat and expose themselves
too long; when the collapse comes it
is too late
Sunstroke, or, as some call it, heat
stroke" is produced by exposure of the
body to any form of high temperature,
whether the source of heat be the sun,
furnace, the radiation of heat from
the earth or anything else. Its victims
are chiefly those who are undergoing
hard physical work while being exposed
to a very high temperature.
There are two varieties of sunstroke
-thermic fever and heat exhaustion.
The usual premonitory symptoms of
thermic fever are great weakness, dir
illness, nausea and headache. If not
arrested at once these symptoms are
followed by inconsistencies. The face
is flushed, the eyes are bloodshot, and
the skin is dry and with a bounding
pulse. The temperature often runs as
high as 10. There is very severe
form in which the victim may be struck
down and die within an hour, with
symptoms of heart failure, shortness
of breath and Inconsistencies. This
form occurs chiefly in soldiers when
on long marches in the hot sun. Death
is often almost instantaneous. the vic
tins falling as if struck on the head.
Heat exhaustion is entirely different
from thermic fever and is less danger
Of
cool and clammy, the pulse small and
rapid. There is extreme prostrauon'
collapse, restlessness and, in severe
cases, delirium.
In either form the patient should De
quickly taken to a cool. airy, shaoS
place. In the case of thermic fever the
person must be cooled rapidly; in the
case of heat exhaustion the patient
should be stimulated and warmed
The first thing to do in thermic fever
iS +o remove or loosen the clothing, at
the same time applying cold to the
body, particularly to the apoonen'
hack and chest. Pieces OF ice should oe
rubbed over the surface. If watering
not is available sprinkle the patient
with ice water. Call for the ampu-
lance. When the patient reaches the
hospital he will be put in an ice water
bath.
In heat exhaustion the pauenC
.+o,,1d he covered with hot blankets
and hot bottles should be placed near
tho feet He should be stimulated WlIh
small and frequent doses of brandy OF
whisky. ....-...
Rut of course the best thing is the
orpce of prevention. When you feel
vow weak and have dizziness, nausea
and headache you are in danger; ana
should at once get to a cool place OIL
rest and, if possible, take a cold batn-
Even when in good health one shouio
bathe several times during "A hours IL
there is excessive heat. 1t may De III
the form of the tub, shower, sponge
wet towel or bucket. And for most
persons the temperature OF the water
should be as it runs from the cola
water faucet. Drink plenty of pure
water. but no alcohol. Don't hurry
keen a calm mind. The food should De
light. with very little meat, but with
DIentv of vegetables and salads. Pota-
toes. however. should be avoided.
1t is very dangerous for persons ac-
customed to an indoor, sedentary lie
to suddenly rush off on their vacations
and plunge into the hardest kind OF
physical exertion in the form of golf,
tennis, rowing, etc, during the hot
months 1t is wise to begin with the
utmost moderation.