Signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke

In order to figure out if you or someone else is suffering from a heat-related illness, it is important to understand the symptoms.

The signs of heat exhaustion include:

• Flushed, pale or ashen skin
• Skin cool and moist to the touch
• Headache, dizziness and nausea
• Sudden weak or exhausted feeling

The signs of heat stroke include:

• A high body temperature
• Skin hot to the touch
• Skin that may be moist or dry to the touch
• A consciousness change – confusion, irritability, etc.
• A rapid or weak pulse rate
• Rapid or shallow breathing

How to treat heat exhaustion and heat stroke

If you or someone else is experiencing heat stroke or heat exhaustion, it is very important to get help immediately.

Heat exhaustion treatment

• Move the person to a cool environment – preferably indoors under an A/C unit.
• If clothing is tight, loosen or remove it.
• If the person is awake, have them drink small sips of water periodically.
• If the person doesn’t improve, call 911 and stay by them until help arrives.

Heat stroke treatment

• Call 911 immediately.
• Treat the person with the same steps as for heat exhaustion and stay by their side until help arrives.