Heat Syndrome - Recognition & Treatment

SYMPTOMS:

• faintness,
• light headedness,
• dizziness,
• headache
• nausea.

Serious:

• staggering,
• loss of co-ordination,
• odd, inappropriate or aggressive behaviour,
• denial of trouble,
• resistance to assistance,
• collapse and/or convulsions

Victim may have a rapid pulse, shallow breathing, hot dry skin, no apparent sweating - or sweating may continue with skin cold and clammy.

TREATMENT Any Firefighter Fatigued or Unwell
SHOULD

• stop work
• move to a cooler place, in the shade with a breeze
• remove clothing as reasonable
• sit or lie down, if feeling faint, lie with legs elevated
• drink plenty of water
• sponge skin with water and fan to increase cooling

Unconscious people should be placed in the coma position and urgent medical help sought.

NOTE:
Firefighters who suffer heat illness or heat stroke must be removed from the fireground, even though they may appear to have recovered.

Information is courtesy of the A.C.T. Bushfire Service.