Extreme heat
Heat Stroke Symptoms
- Extremely high body temperature (103°F or above)
- Red, hot, dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:
- Get the victim to a shaded area
- Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can (for example, immerse victim in a tub, place victim in cool shower, spray with cool water from a garden house, sponge with cool water)
- Continue cooling victim and monitoring the body temperature until it drops to 101° or 102° F
- Do not give victim alcoholic beverages
- If medical personnel are delayed, call hospital for instructions
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Muscle Cramps
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fainting
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. If untreated, it can progress to heat stroke. Victims should cool down by drinking cool, nonalcoholic beverages; resting; taking a cool shower, bath or sponge bath; seeking an air-conditioned environment; and wearing lightweight clothing.
Source: CDC
