GENERAL GUIDELINES

• Heatstroke (also called sunstroke) is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. You may give child beverages, but do not give beverages containing caffeine.
• For heat exhaustion, cool off child as quickly as possible. Seek medical attention for severe symptoms.
• Stay calm and try to reassure child.

SYMPTOMS
Heatstroke: occurs when the body's heat-regulating system is overwhelmed by heat, causing extremely high body temperatures. Look for one or more of the following:

• body temperature of 102 degrees F or higher
• red, hot, and dry skin; no apparent sweating
• rapid and strong pulse
• confusion; possible convulsions

Heat Exhaustion: is caused by heavy sweating, resulting in the loss of salt and fluid and impaired circulation to internal organs. Look for one or more of the following:

• normal or slightly above-normal body temperature (98.6 to 101 degree F)
• pale, clammy skin; heavy sweating
• headache; dizziness and possible fainting
• tiredness and weakness; possible muscle cramps
• nausea and possible vomiting

Sunburn: resulting from overexpose to the sun is usually a first-degree burn, although second-degree burns can occur. Look for one or more of the following:

• skin redness´ pain and mild swelling
• blisters and considerable swelling in severe cases

IMMEDIATE TREATMENT

1. Move child to cool place, preferably an air-conditioned room.
2. Place child in a reclining position with head elevated. Sponge child with cool water or cover with wet sheets and fan child, but avoid chilling.
3. Continue treatment until childÍs temperature is below 102 degrees F. Check temperature every 5-10 minutes.
4. When temperature is lowered, dry off child. Repeat steps 2 and 3 if temperature rises again.
5. Seek medical attention while keeping child cool.

Heat Exhaustion

1. Move child to cool place, preferably an air-conditioned room.
2. Loosen child's clothing and have him/her lie down.
3. Raise child's feet 8-12 inches.
4. Place cool wet cloths on childÍs forehead and body.
5. If child is not vomiting, give sips of cool water or clear juice. Give one half glass every 15 minutes for about an hour. Stop fluids if child vomits.
6. Keep child cool. If symptoms worsen or continue for longer than an hour, seek medical attention promptly.

1. Place child in cool water, or apply cool, wet cloths to sunburned skin. Do not rub the skin.
2. Elevate severely sunburned arms or legs.
3. For severe sunburn, do not break blisters or apply sprays or ointments to skin. Seek medical attention.

CONTINUED CARE: Keep child as cool as possible without chilling. Do not give caffeinated beverages or other stimulants to child. In hot weather, always have children drink plenty of liquids and protect their heads from direct sun.