Heat Stroke
Heat stroke, which occurs when the body can’t control its temperature, may result in disability or death if emergency treatment is not given. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses a large amount of water and salt contained in sweat. Warning signs of heat stroke may include:
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, orally)
- Unconsciousness
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness, nausea and confusion
- Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt contained in sweat. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood preset and people working or exercising in a hot environment. The warning signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Tiredness
- Dark-colored urine
- Fainting
- Headache
- Rapid heartbeat
What to Do
If you see any of these signs for heat stroke or heat exhaustion, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency and should do the following:
- Have someone call 9-1-1 while you begin cooling the victim.
- Get the victim to a shady area.
- Cool the victim rapidly with a cool bath or shower, or by sponging with cool water, until body temperature drops to 101-102 degrees Fahrenheit, orally.
- If a victim’s muscles twitch uncontrollably as a result of heat stroke, keep the victim from injuring him/herself, but do not place any object in the mouth and do not give fluids. If there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turning the victim on his/her side.
