Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion occurs when a person has excessive water loss. The symptoms can include headache, nausea, cold or pale skin, sweating, lightheaded or dizziness. The victim is usually conscious, but may faint. First aid for this type of problem is to first get the person into a shady or air-conditioned place, make sure they stay cool, give them small amounts of liquid to sip if they are conscious, put cold wet towels on the person's face, and if they are suffering from severe heat exhaustion, IV fluids may be required.

A heat stroke occurs when there is failure in the body's heat controlling mechanisms. The symptoms of this may include rapid pulse, skin warm to the touch, possible headache, dry skin, and the victim might have red, flushed skin. In this case the victim may be confused, aggressive, or even unconscious. First aid in a case like this is to take immediate action. Take the person to a shady or air-conditioned place. Remove most of their articles of clothing. Apply cold wet towels on the face and the body. Then call 911 or your local emergency number.

Tips for avoiding over heating, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke: