Heatstroke Alert: Doctor Explains Critical Symptoms and Life-Saving First Aid

**Urgent Warning: Heatstroke Can Be Deadly, Know the Signs and First Aid** As temperatures soar, medical professionals are issuing urgent warnings about heatstroke, a severe medical emergency that can elevate the body's internal temperature to over 40°C, potentially without immediate noticeable symptoms. Dr. Manuel Viso, a scientific disseminator, emphasizes the critical nature of this condition, stating that prompt action can be life-saving. Heatstroke occurs when the body loses its ability to regulate its own temperature. Unlike heat exhaustion, a key indicator of heatstroke is often the absence of sweating, despite extreme heat. "When you stop sweating despite the heat, it's not a good sign: your body is no longer cooling itself," Dr. Viso explained. This can lead to serious symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and even fainting. **Warning Signs to Watch For:** Dr. Viso highlighted several critical signs of heatstroke: * A severe headache, feeling as if "a train ran over you." * Dizziness and a dazed, zombie-like state. * A burning sensation in the body with dry skin (no sweating). * Nausea or vomiting. * Rapid, accelerated breathing. * Loss of consciousness. **Immediate First Aid Steps:** If someone exhibits these symptoms, Dr. Viso advises the following emergency first aid: 1. **Move to Shade:** Immediately get the person to a shaded or cool place, away from direct sun. 2. **Remove Clothing:** Loosen or remove their clothing to help cool the body. 3. **Cool Down:** Refresh the person with water or wet cloths. Use a fan or anything available to create air movement. 4. **Hydrate (If Conscious):** If the person is conscious, offer small sips of water. "If conscious, I repeat, if conscious, water in sips," Dr. Viso stressed. 5. **Call Emergency Services:** If the person faints or their condition worsens, call 112 (or your local emergency number) immediately. "112 now!" he urged. **Prevention is Key:** To prevent heatstroke, Dr. Viso recommends simple but crucial measures: * **Stay Hydrated:** Drink water frequently, even if you don't feel thirsty. "No, beer doesn't count," he added with a hint of humor. * **Avoid Peak Heat Activity:** Do not engage in strenuous sports during the hottest parts of the day, especially around 3 PM. * **Seek Shade:** Treat shade as a precious commodity during high temperatures. * **Wear Protective Gear:** Use a cap, light clothing, and apply sunscreen. * **Never Leave Anyone in a Car:** Emphatically, Dr. Viso warned, "Never leave anyone inside a car. Never." This vital information can help save lives during hot weather. Share it to ensure everyone is prepared.