The most grueling dog days of summer have arrived, and many parts of the Northern Hemisphere have recently been hit by intense heatwaves. With high temperatures and humidity, people can easily succumb to the extreme heat if not careful. This year’s dog days last 40 days—10 days longer than usual—so it's crucial not to let your guard down in preventing heatstroke and to remember these essential first aid tips.

During hot summer days, if you notice someone experiencing dizziness, headache, thirst, profuse sweating, overall fatigue, or palpitations, heatstroke may be the cause, and immediate first aid should be administered.

1. Immediately move the person to a ventilated, cool, and dry place, such as indoors, a hallway, or under a tree.

2. Have the person lie on their back, loosen their collar, and remove or loosen outer clothing. If clothes are soaked with sweat, change into dry ones. Turn on a fan or air conditioner (avoiding direct airflow) to help dissipate heat quickly.

3. Apply a cold, wet towel to the head, armpits, and groin. If possible, use lukewarm water to wipe the entire body. You can also apply cooling oil or medicated oil to the forehead and temples. These can relieve pain, refresh the mind, and alleviate headache and dizziness caused by heatstroke when applied to acupoints. Note: Pregnant women and children under 3 years old should not use them.

4. Using massage techniques, press and pinch the Renzhong point (center of the area between the upper lip and nose), Shixuan points (tips of all ten fingers), and gently rub the Taiyang (temple), Neiguan (2 inches above the wrist crease on the inner arm), and Baihui (crown of the head) acupoints. Also, rub the Yongquan point (on the soles of the feet). These actions help clear heat, refresh the mind, calm the nerves, and relieve discomfort. Press each point for one minute to help the person regain consciousness quickly.

5. For a conscious patient, provide mung bean soup, lightly salted water, sugar-salt solution, or medications such as Rendan, Shidishui, or Huoxiang Zhengqi Water (capsules) to relieve heatstroke symptoms. Huoxiang Zhengqi Water (capsules) is especially suitable for patients with vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or loss of appetite. Shidishui is particularly good for those with abdominal pain. Rendan helps clear heat, refresh the mind, and eliminate toxins, making it ideal for nausea, chest tightness, headache, and dizziness due to heatstroke. Shidishui and Rendan are not suitable for pregnant women.

6. Depending on severity, heatstroke is classified into three stages: prodromal, mild, and severe. The methods above are effective for prodromal and mild heatstroke. If symptoms persist or worsen—such as absence of sweating, high fever, headache, vomiting, loss of consciousness, cold limbs, or convulsions—it indicates severe heatstroke, which can be life-threatening without prompt treatment. In such cases, lay the patient on their side with their head tilted back to keep the airway open, and immediately call emergency services for help.

9 Types of People Prone to Heatstroke

Elderly: The elderly have gradually diminishing sweat glands and declining circulatory function, impairing their ability to dissipate heat, making them more susceptible to heatstroke.

Pregnant and postpartum women: Pregnancy and childbirth exhaust the body and weaken physical strength, putting them at high risk of heatstroke.

Infants and young children: Their bodily systems are not fully developed, they have poor temperature regulation, and excess subcutaneous fat hinders heat dissipation.

Heart disease patients: Hot weather increases the heart's workload, and those with impaired cardiac function struggle to expel body heat, making them prone to heatstroke.

Diabetes patients: Diabetics have a slower response to temperature changes. Even when heat accumulates in the body, symptoms appear late, increasing their risk of heatstroke.

Patients with infectious diseases: Infections produce endogenous pyrogens and substances that constrict blood vessels, impeding heat dissipation.

Malnourished individuals: Nutrient deficiencies can lead to low blood pressure and reflexive blood vessel constriction. These individuals are also prone to diarrhea, resulting in dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, increasing heatstroke risk.

People taking certain medications: Those on antihistamines, anticholinergics, or sleeping pills may experience blood vessel constriction and impaired thermoregulation.

Outdoor workers in high temperatures: To prevent heatstroke, outdoor workers should wear light-colored, breathable cotton, linen, or silk clothing, wear sunglasses and hats, and use umbrellas. Stay well-hydrated; green tea, mung bean soup, plum juice, and lightly salted water are great choices for cooling down.