This summer 2024, 3,711 Heat -related deaths were identified in France, 75% of which concerned people over 75. Behind these tragic figures hides an alarming reality: 80% of families make a fatal error During the first signs of heat stroke in their elderly close. This error, identified by emergency services, can transform manageable discomfort into a vital emergency.
The fatal error that families repeat
Faced with an elderly close confused or tired by heat, The first reaction of families is to force hydration. This apparently logical error becomes fatal when the person presents disorders of consciousness. Emergencyists repeat it: Hydrate an unconscious or confused person can cause a fatal false road.
Dr. Guillaume Boulanger, an emergency medicine specialist, confirms: “The perspiration system for over 75 is less functional. When they present signs of confusion, their swallowing reflex is altered. Forcing hydration can kill them in a few minutes.”
Specific alarm signals ignored
Unlike young adults, seniors have misleading symptoms. They no longer sweat, refuse to drink and become confused Before even expressing a feeling of thirst. This physiological particularity traps families who await the “classic” signs of the heat stroke.
Early symptoms in seniors include a Sudden weakness, balance disorders and disorientation. These signals, often wrongly attributed to normal aging, require immediate action.
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The emergency protocol that saves lives
Faced with these symptoms, Three saving gestures must be carried out in strict order:
- Call 15 immediately without waiting for aggravation
- Refresh by wet compresses On the neck and armpits
- Never give drinking If the person is confused or sleepy
This procedure, updated in 2025, contrasts with the old reflexes. 52% of emergency passes for hyperthermia now concern those over 75, requiring a specialized approach.
Fatal drug interactions
Another critical error concerns self -medication. Diuretics, antihypertensive and neuroleptics amplify dehydration among seniors. Giving paracetamol “to lower the fever” can dangerously worsen the state of the person.
Usual drugs become additional risk factors During scorching episodes. Preventive medical supervision, such as that recommended in the modern geriatric approach, makes it possible to adapt the treatments.
Active prevention and reinforced monitoring
Prevention goes through a Reinforced daily monitoring As soon as temperatures exceed 26 ° C. Unlike the regular physical exercise which preserves balance in seniors, exposure to heat requires a total interruption of activities between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
EHPAD having applied these strict protocols reduced 60% their emergency admissions Linked to heat in 2024. This preventive approach, combined with a formation of family caregivers, is the key to the protection of seniors.
Faced with the multiplication of scorching episodes, Know and apply these emergency gestures becomes vital. The forced hydration error, although intuitive, remains the main cause of fatal worsening in the elderly victims of heat stroke.
