Farmer, 60s, suffers heatstroke after 2 hours of work, temperature soars to 40°C, nearly dies

A farmer in Changhua narrowly escaped death after suffering severe heatstroke while working outdoors. The 60-year-old man experienced dizziness and weakness after just two hours of labor, progressing to confusion, red and hot skin, and a complete cessation of sweating. Upon emergency transport to the hospital, his core body temperature was recorded above 40°C.

Doctors at Changhua Show Chuan Hospital identified the condition as heatstroke, emphasizing the critical danger of this ailment. Li Yu-ching, head of the hospital's Family Medicine Department, explained that heatstroke occurs when the body's cooling mechanisms fail, leading to a core temperature above 40°C. This can result in damage to vital organs such as the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. Without prompt treatment, the mortality rate can exceed 30%.

Li warned that many people mistake the symptoms of heatstroke for regular heat exhaustion, believing rest and hydration are sufficient. However, true heatstroke is far more dangerous. Key indicators include a core body temperature over 40°C, dry and hot skin, rapid pulse, confusion, drowsiness, convulsions, or even coma.

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If you are suspected of having heatstroke, you should quickly move the patient to a cool and ventilated place, loosen or remove excess clothing, wipe the body with a wet towel, apply ice to the neck, armpits, and groin, and continue to fan to help dissipate heat, replenish a small amount of cold water or diluted electrolyte drinks, and immediately send to the hospital to seize the golden treatment time.

High-risk individuals include those over 65, infants, people with chronic diseases, the obese, and anyone working outdoors for extended periods, such as farmers, construction workers, police, and firefighters, as well as those engaging in outdoor sports. Factors like high temperatures, humidity, profuse sweating without adequate fluid replacement, and non-breathable clothing increase the risk.

In case of suspected heatstroke, Li advised moving the person to a cool, ventilated area, loosening clothing, applying wet towels or ice packs to the neck, armpits, and groin, and fanning them to aid cooling. Small amounts of cool water or electrolyte drinks can be given, but immediate medical attention is crucial. Li urged the public to recognize the critical signs, temperature over 40°C, cessation of sweating, and altered consciousness, to ensure timely rescue.

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Remember that 'body temperature exceeds 40°C, sweating stops, and consciousness changes' are important warning signs of heatstroke. Only by early identification, immediate cooling, and prompt medical attention can the golden rescue time be seized to avoid tragedy.