A young man in his mid-twenties suffered severe heat stroke during a two-hour motorbike ride from Hanoi to Phu Tho. The patient’s symptoms included a severe headache, loss of consciousness, and he was rushed to the emergency room at the District Medical Center before being transferred to the Intensive Care Department at the Provincial Hospital.
Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors conducted a thorough examination to rule out any other underlying causes for his condition. After reviewing the results, it was determined that the patient had severe heat stroke with a high risk of mortality ranging from 30-40%. The medical team applied command hypothermia techniques, along with active resuscitation measures, to regulate the patient’s body temperature.
Command hypothermia, also known as active hypothermia, involves actively controlling a patient’s body temperature through cooling techniques that bring it below normal physiological levels. This technique has been shown to improve survival rates and reduce complications in patients who have undergone cardiac arrest or other conditions. By using this method, doctors were able to give the patient a chance at recovery.
The patient gradually woke up from his coma and was taken off the ventilator, showing signs of improvement. Heat stroke is defined as severe hyperthermia above 40 degrees Celsius that can lead to organ dysfunction and loss of consciousness. It is common during hot summer days and prompt treatment is crucial in preventing complications and death.
Some warning signs of heat stroke include exhaustion, increased body temperature despite feeling very hot, no sweating despite feeling very hot, rapid breathing, loss of consciousness, and convulsions. If someone experiences heat stroke symptoms they should be moved to a cool place immediately and have outer clothing removed while emergency services are contacted for help. Measures like cool compresses and fans can be used until medical help arrives to further reduce body temperature.
To prevent heat stroke from occurring in the first place there are several precautions that can be taken such as staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water or sports drinks throughout the day; wearing breathable clothing made from natural fabrics; avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours; taking cool baths or showers when possible; limiting alcohol intake which can dehydrate you; and avoiding excessive exercise or strenuous physical activity when temperatures are high.
In conclusion, heat stroke is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention if experienced. By recognizing its warning signs and taking appropriate precautions against it we can avoid its potentially life-threatening consequences during hot weather days.
