Help! I think my timelord has a fever? I can't tell 100% but they don't look good. Do I need a special thermometer to check? (Where do I buy/find one?) What do I do??
Disclaimer: This guide is not suitable for humans. Always consult your human medical people.
First things first, you don’t need a special thermometer to check your Time Lord’s temperature—a human one will do just fine. Here are some key points to remember:
Every Gallifreyan will have their own normal temperature baseline, somewhere between 15-19°C (59-66.2°F).
This shouldn't deviate by more than 2-3 degrees.
If their temperature rises above 19°C (66.2°F), they could be suffering from hyperthermia.
📋 Recognising Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia occurs when their body temperature exceeds 19°C (66.2°F), potentially leading to heatstroke and other serious complications. Signs and symptoms include:
Flushed Skin: The skin may appear red and feel hot to the touch.
Sweating: While not as common as in humans, excessive sweating may occur.
Weakness: A general feeling of fatigue or weakness.
Dizziness and Confusion: Disorientation and dizziness can be significant signs.
Rapid Heart Rate: Increased heart rate can accompany the rise in temperature.
Nausea and Vomiting: Digestive upset can be a symptom of severe hyperthermia.
🏡 Home Treatment for Hyperthermia
If your Time Lord shows signs of hyperthermia, here’s what you can do at home:
Move to a Cooler Environment: Get them out of the heat and into a cooler, shaded area immediately.
Hydration: Encourage them to drink cool, non-alcoholic fluids. Water is best. Avoid caffeine.
Cool Compresses: Apply cool, damp cloths to their forehead, neck, armpits, and groin.
Fan Air: Use a fan to circulate air around them or gently fan them to increase evaporative cooling.
Remove Excess Clothing: Help them remove any excess clothing to allow their body to cool down more effectively.
🚑 When to Seek Immediate Help
Temperature above 19°C (66.2°F)
Unresponsiveness or severe confusion
Severe vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
Signs of shock (rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, clammy skin)
You suspect Sepsis (Refer to the Guide Sepsis Emergency Response (SER))
🏥 Advanced Treatment Guide
If home treatments are not effective or the patient's temperature is rising rapidly, seek medical attention immediately. If you're in a TARDIS, the medbay has an automated interface that can guide you through these next steps.
Initial Assessment: Check vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. For a detailed scoring system, refer to the Guide Gallifreyan Assessment Scoring System (GASS).
Continuous Assessment: Continuously monitor body temperature and vital signs. Use an accurate thermometer capable of reading low temperatures.
IV Fluids: Start intravenous (IV) fluids immediately to rehydrate and cool the body from the inside.
Cooling Blankets: Use cooling blankets or pads to lower body temperature. Ensure these are set to a safe temperature to avoid overcooling.
Ice Packs: Place ice packs in the axillae (armpits), groin, and neck to rapidly reduce core body temperature.
Evaporative Cooling: Use misting fans and cool water sprays to enhance evaporative cooling.
If deemed appropriate by a medical professional/the TARDIS medbay computer:
Antipyretics: Administer antipyretics to help lower fever.
Anticonvulsants: Administer anticonvulsants to help reduce risk of seizures.
Sedation: In severe cases, sedation might be necessary to control agitation and allow for more effective cooling.
🖥️ Monitoring and Support
Electrolyte Monitoring: Regularly check electrolyte levels, as hyperthermia can cause imbalances.
Cardiac Monitoring: Continuous cardiac monitoring is crucial due to the risk of arrhythmias. Refer to the Guide Gallifreyan CPR for reviving a Gallifreyan in case of cardiac arrest.
Neurological Checks: Regular neurological assessments to monitor for signs of brain damage or seizures.
Mechanical Ventilation: If respiratory distress or failure occurs, mechanical ventilation may be necessary. Follow the ABCDE Assessment Guide to quickly assess and treat a sick Gallifreyan.
Once the immediate threat is over, following up with a specialised Gallifreyan medic is vital. Your Gallifreyan might need specific treatments to fully recover and prevent future incidents.
Remember, while these steps provide a general guide, each situation is unique. Always prioritise professional medical advice when available.
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