If a child has overheated in the sun, what should I do to provide first aid? Important Tips

With the onset of summer, everyone is drawn to rest on the sea to soak up the hot sand for a beautiful and even tan. But such tender, at first glance, sun rays are very dangerous, especially for children. Should children be allowed to stay in the open during the midday heat for a long time? Or is it better to wait a while in the shade, taking a cool bath? How to behave if the child has overheated in the sun? What should I do in such situations to provide quick first aid? This will be discussed in the article.

How to determine if a child has overheated in the sun?

The first disturbing symptom is the cessation of sweating in the baby. Due to the low content of liquid in the body, heat transfer processes are violated and the temperature rises. The face turns red, breathing becomes more frequent, and shortness of breath appears. The child complains of nausea, darkening of the eyes and dizziness. Cramps, vomiting and even loss of consciousness may occur. The lips turn blue, the pulse becomes thread-like with a rapid heartbeat. All of these symptoms should alert the parents. It is very important not to be confused if the child has overheated in the sun. What to do and how not to panic? It is important to quickly take the steps outlined below. On how timely the first aid is given before being examined by a doctor, the health of the baby depends.

How to act quickly if the child has overheated in the sun? What should I do first?

- As soon as possible, undress the victim and take him to a cooler place. At least bring it out from under the scorching rays into the shadow, where it will be blown by a fresh breeze. The best option is an air-conditioned room. You can also immerse the baby for a while in a slightly cool bath to the waist. In no case can not pour cold water. A sudden change in temperature can only worsen the condition.

- Arrange the patient horizontally and start wiping the body. It is possible to apply ice or cooling dressings (for example, a hypothermic packet from an automotive first aid kit) to the head, armpits and elbow joints.

- Provide the child with an abundant drink. Ordinary water is often replaced by a weak saline solution (one incomplete tea spoon is taken per liter). Do not interfere with the intake of a few drops of valerian.

- In case of acute symptoms accompanied by a breathing disorder with a possible loss of consciousness, bring a fleece slightly moistened in ammonia to the baby's nose.

Do I need to call a doctor if the child has overheated in the sun? What to do with increased body temperature?

Even in mild cases, an examination of the child by a pediatrician does not hurt. After all, at first glance, it is impossible to immediately determine how serious the consequences of overheating. In addition, repeated manifestations of symptoms often occur two to three hours after the child has overheated in the sun. Body temperature can be increased for several days in a row. This is due to the violation of the processes of heat exchange and thermoregulation. In serious cases (this applies especially to children), it is better to take measures to combat the general dehydration of the organism in a hospital by introducing a physiological solution. The child should definitely be some time after receiving a sunstroke under the supervision of doctors.