American Medical Association Family Medical Guide - American Medical Association [124]
5. If the person is conscious and is not vomiting, give him or her cool water, a rehydration solution (¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt or salt tablets dissolved in a quart of water), clear juice, or a sports drink with a concentration of less than 6 percent glucose. Do not give undissolved salt tablets.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke usually occurs because of prolonged exposure to very hot conditions. Heatstroke caused by direct exposure to the sun is called sunstroke. The mechanism in the brain that normally regulates body temperature stops functioning, and the person’s temperature rises higher than 103°F. The person may be confused and lose consciousness and is flushed, with hot, dry skin and a strong, rapid pulse. He or she may vomit and may have seizures. Heatstroke is a medical emergency.
To treat heatstroke:
1. Call or have someone call 911 or your local emergency number, or send someone for help.
2. Cool the person down as soon as possible by having him or her lie down in a cool, shady place. Move the person to an air-conditioned room if possible.
3. Remove excess or tight clothing such as vapor-impermeable clothing or sports uniforms.
4. Cool the person in any way you can. Fan the person by hand, with a blow dryer set on cool, or with an electric fan. Sponge him or her with cool water; spray him or her with water from a hose or spray bottle; place cool, wet cloths on his or her forehead; or place ice packs on his or her neck, groin, and armpits. Cool him or her in a tub or shower using cool (not cold) water but do not immerse the entire body.
Broken or Dislocated Bones
Without an X-ray, it is usually impossible to tell for sure if a bone is broken (fractured), although sometimes the broken bone may stick out through the skin in what is called an open break. An open break is usually more serious than a closed break (in which the skin is intact) because of bleeding and the possibility of infection. Suspect a broken bone if someone heard the bone snap. A broken bone may also produce a grating sensation as the bone ends rub together.
A broken or dislocated bone will be tender or painful when touched or moved, and the person may have difficulty moving the injured part. The site of the break may look deformed or swollen, may move abnormally, and may be bruised. Mishandling broken bones or dislocations can cause extensive damage to nerves and blood vessels. Any movement can cause further tissue damage.
To treat a suspected broken or dislocated bone:
1. If the injured area is severely deformed or if the skin is broken, call or have someone call 911 or your local emergency number.
2. If the injury does not seem too serious, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency department.
3. Treat any severe bleeding (see page 160). If the wound is open, do not wash it or apply any medication. Gently apply pressure with a large sterile or clean pad to stop the bleeding. Cover the entire wound, including the protruding bone, with a bandage.
Cover the bone with a bandage
4. Do not try to put a dislocated or broken bone back in place.
5. If the person must be moved, immobilize the injured part with a splint (see next page).
6. Keep the person comfortable and warm.
Keep the person warm
7. Do not give the person anything to eat or drink.
8. Watch for signs of shock, and treat for shock (see page 162) if necessary.
WARNING!
Unusual Patterns of Broken Bones or Dislocations
You should suspect that someone (especially a child or an incapacitated or older person) has been a victim of abuse if he or she has any of the following signs:
• Repeated broken bones or recurring dislocations in the same part of the body
• Fractures in the breastbone, back, skull, end of the collarbone, or ribs in the back
Head, Back, or Spinal Injury
Any person who is found unconscious must be assumed to have a head injury. Anyone with a head injury