When the body's temperature rises but the body’s ability to cool off shuts down, it is known as heat stroke and can be life-threatening.
The most vulnerable to heat strokes are babies and young children. If your toddler is playing outside and it is very hot, they may become dehydrated. If they remain dehydrated and the body temperature continues to rise, a heat stroke is a possibility.
To avoid heat stroke, dress your child in loose, light-weight clothing in hot temperatures and make sure that they stay well hydrated.
Never leave a child in a parked car. In any weather this is dangerous and in most places it is against the law. In hot temperatures, the inside of a car becomes so hot that a child can have a heat stroke in a matter of minutes.
Avoid sunburns. When a child has sunburn, they are more susceptible to heat stroke. Always use a sunscreen on your child when they are playing outside.
The symptoms of a heat stroke include:
· Fever of 39.4 degrees Celsius or higher
· No noticeable sweating
· Skin that is hot, red, and dry
· A rapid pulse
· Headache
· Vomiting
· Dizziness
· Restlessness
· Confusion
· Shallow and rapid breathing
· Lethargy
· Unconsciousness
· Dehydration