As always, follow basic first aid principles. If you believe that the victim's condition is due to overheating, immediately take additional first aid measures.
First aid for heat cramps
• Place the victim in a cool place.
• Give him chilled water or drink.
• Stretch and massage the muscles.
First aid for heat exhaustion and heatstroke
• Place the victim in a cool place.
• Give him chilled water or drink.
• Monitor the victim's condition carefully, trying to watch for signs of deterioration.
• Loosen tight clothing.
•Remove sweat-soaked clothing.
• Apply cool, wet compresses to the skin, placing them in the groin, each perineum, and neck to cool large blood vessels. Fan the post-
giving birth with something to provide ventilation.
Try to cool the victim's body with any available means, wet towels or sheets.
• Do not rub alcohol in as it causes the skin pores to close and prevents heat from escaping.
Do not place the victim in a bath of cool water, as this may complicate the airway. When heatstroke occurs, the victim may stop breathing or have a myocardial infarction. Be prepared to perform resuscitation measures.
When to call an ambulance
Refusal of water, vomiting and a fluctuating level of consciousness indicate a deterioration in the victim's condition. In this case, call an ambulance immediately. If the victim begins to vomit, stop giving him anything to drink and place him in a stable position to maintain an open airway.