1 J' J 1 
neatstroie Sunstroke, heatstroke, and heat prostration 
are serious illnesses. They can be fatal. For- 
tunately, they can almost always be prevented by 
sensible hot-weather care. 
WHAT CAUSES THEM 
These conditions occur when the body’s 
heat-regulating system collapses during pro- 
longed heat or overexposure to the sun. Humid- 
ity in hot weather adds to the strain by interfering 
with the evaporation of sweat, which is one of 
our most important cooling devices. Loss of 
large amounts of water and salt through per- 
spiration helps to bring on the collapse. Any- 
thing which heats the body, such as exercise, puts 
an extra load on the system. 
SUNSTROKE AND HEATSTROKE 
Sunstroke is caused by too long exposure to 
the hot sun, while heatstroke is due to prolonged 
oppressive heat, often indoors. The causes of 
both appear to be the same. Both have the same 
symptoms, and need the same first-aid treatment. 
The most common form starts with a splitting 
headache. Everything looks red to the victim, 
and he loses consciousness. His temperature 
rises dangerously—it can go to 110 degrees or 
higher. If unconsciousness and high tempera- 
ture last any length of time, the danger is very 
great. In extreme cases, the victim collapses 
suddenly and dies within a few minutes. 
HEAT PROSTRATION 
Heat prostration, or heat exhaustion, is 
caused by prolonged heat and humidity, but is 
very different from heatstroke or sunstroke. 
The victim is usually conscious, but weak and 
dizzy. His temperature falls instead of rising, 
and he feels cold and clammy. FIRST AID 
When a person collapses in hot weather: 
—Call a doctor at once. 
—Move the victim into the shade and 
loosen any tight clothing. 
—Feel his skin. If it feels cold and 
moist, give first aid 
for heat prostration. (See below.) If it feels hot, 
he probably has sunstroke or heatstroke—but 
do not give first aid until you are sure, The 
collapse may have been caused by something 
very different, such as apoplexy or heart failure. 
If you have a thermometer, take his temperature. 
If it is 105 degrees or higher, give first aid for 
sunstroke or heatstroke. If it is around 102, 
take it again every five minutes, and begin first 
aid at once if the temperature is steadily rising. 
If you have no thermometer, do not give first aid. 
Wait for the doctor. 
For sunstroke and heatstroke, put a pillow 
under the victim’s head, and cool him as quickly 
as possible. Wet his clothes with cold water, 
cover him with cold wet sheets or bath towels, 
or put ice packs around his head, neck, and body. 
Fan him, and rub his arms and legs to keep the 
blood circulating. If possible, get a cold tub 
bath ready while the doctor is on his way. 
For heat prostration, keep his head low, and 
warm his body. Even though the weather is 
hot, cover the victim with blankets and put hot 
water bottles around him. Rub his arms and 
legs. If he is conscious, give him hot tea or 
coffee. 
PREVENTION 
Simple, common-sense precautions will 
nearly always prevent these conditions. During 
hot weather: 
—Don’t expose yourself to the heat 
when you don’t have to. 
—Don’t go out in the hot sunshine 
without a hat. —Don’t wear heavy or tight clothing. 
—Don’t exercise strenuously in the sun. 
—Don’t exercise just before or after 
meals. 
—Don’t overeat. 
—Don’t overindulge in alcoholic drinks. 
On sultry days, keep the air circulating to 
help the evaporation of sweat. Keep shaded 
windows open and use an electric fan. 
If you perspire freely, you may need extra 
water and salt. Drink water often throughout 
the day, one glass at a time. The amount of 
salt you need depends upon how much you 
sweat out. Office workers probably get enough 
in their food, while stokers may need a salt tablet 
every half hour, or a quarter of a teaspoonful 
dissolved in a glass of water every hour. Chil- 
dren who perspire freely at play should be given 
salted crackers or salted nuts. Use your best 
judgment. If you feel the heat too much, you 
may not be getting enough. A severe lack of 
salt may cause cramps. 
Some people must be especially careful in 
hot weather. The aging, the very young, 
alcoholics, and people with heart trouble are 
easily affected by sun and heat. A person who 
has had sunstroke or heat prostration will 
collapse more easily a second time. 
June 1946 
Federal Security Agency 
U. S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE 
WASHINGTON 25, D. C. 
Health Education Series No. 4 
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, 
U. S. Government Printing Office 
Washington 25, D. C. 
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 16—18683-1