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    A person with heat illness who is awake should drink cool light salt water or a sports drink in small amounts, often; don't gulp, and avoid alcohol and high-sugar drinks

    • High value
    • Evidence B
    • Buys life
    • Free
    • Takes minutes
    • No willpower

    In a real emergency, call 911 first, then read this.

    In plain words

    Only a person who is awake should drink. Give cool light salt water or a sports drink in small amounts, often, 500 to 1,000 milliliters an hour. No alcohol and no high-sugar drinks, which make the body lose more water. Cool the person first, then replace fluid; if the person is not fully conscious or speech is slurred, don't give even a sip.

    Cost

    Free. A bottle of sports drink costs a few CNY.

    What you get

    The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention published the Guide to Preventing and Emergency Handling of Heat Stroke for the Public (2014 edition) (ใ€Šๅ…ฌไผ—้ซ˜ๆธฉไธญๆš‘้ข„้˜ฒไธŽ็ดงๆ€ฅๅค„็†ๆŒ‡ๅ—๏ผˆ2014 ็‰ˆ๏ผ‰ใ€‹). It says "drink at least 2 to 4 cups of cool water (500 to 1000 ml) every hour, the water should not be too hot, and drink in small amounts, often." It also says "do not drink drinks that contain alcohol or a lot of sugar. These drinks make the body lose more fluid. Also avoid drinks that are too cold or frozen." For heat stroke it states clearly "do not give the patient water." The U.S. NIOSH: for heat exhaustion, "encourage frequent small sips of cool water"; for heat cramps, give a sports drink with sugar and electrolytes every 15 to 20 minutes, and "do not use salt tablets"

    Notes

    The Chinese CDC's 2014 guide says that heavy sweating loses salt and minerals, which must be replaced, and a sports drink can help, so the water should contain a little salt. Drinking in small amounts, often, is also what this guide asks for. "Don't drink iced drinks" also comes from this guide, the reason being a fear of stomach spasm, with no quantified evidence. Don't misread it as "you can't use anything cold." ยง13.22 (in high heat with dizziness or nausea, take off clothing and pour water to cool down) covers several cooling methods: wiping with cold water, cold-water immersion, and ice packs on the head, armpits and groin. These are applied to the body, not poured into the mouth. Cooling always comes before replacing fluid. If the person is not fully conscious or speech is slurred, don't give even a sip

    Evidence grade
    B : Supported by research but without a precise number, or based on small or single studies.
    Sources
    1. National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2014). Guide to Public Prevention and Emergency Handling of Heatstroke in High Temperatures (2014 edition) [in Chinese]. https://niohp.chinacdc.cn/sndt/201405/t20140530_97623.htm
    2. US CDC/NIOSH. Heat-Related Illnesses. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/heat-stress/about/illnesses.html

    Translated from the Chinese original. Original book, section 13, tip 23. Content may be out of date and rules differ by place. When you actually deal with an agency, a doctor or a court, follow what local officials, doctors and lawyers tell you. Disclaimer