SUNSTROKE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 118, 12 February 1919, Page 5

SUNSTROKE

I■.■ ■ ■ I It is not often that people in New Zealand run much risk of sunstroke, but tho fierce heat sometimes experienced makes a- warning or V two neccs--sary. Sunstroke usually follows exposure of the top and back of tho head and the back of tho neck to prolonged sun-heat, and it is therefore these parts which need particular attention. A hat which shades the face but leaves the back of the head ..uncovered or -unprotected is quite useless, although women who dress their ha* low on the nape of the neok have an additional protection in this. A scarf or thick veil wound round the'hat and allowed to fall at the back so as to .cover the neck and upper part of the ' shoulders is •as much as is usually necessary in this climate. Needless to say, a hat or head covering of some sort should always he worn when tho j sun is very hot, or a bad headache, at! the very least, is likely to ensue. Should sunstroke occur it must be treated at. once. The patient should lie down in a cool, airy room, and cold water should he poured overplus head and temples. Iced water or ice should ba applied, to the crown and front of the head, and constant fanning should bo kept up to create a current of air. The room should be darkened, and the patient, should lie flat on the back with his head slightly raised. A doc tor should bo sent for at once. Sunstroke is easily mistaken by the layman for apoplexy or intoxication. Many of the symptoms are similar, tliose peculiar to sunstroke being convulsions, the rapid shallow pulse, and tho intensely hot, burning condition of the skin. This latter symptom is very marked.