Heat Stroke And Heat Exhaustion Signs And Symptoms

Introduction to heat exhaustion

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. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment.

Heat exhaustion symptoms

Warning signs of heat exhaustion include:

• heavy sweating
  
  
• paleness
  
  
• muscle cramps
  
  
• tiredness
  
  
• weakness
  
  
• dizziness
  
  
• headache
  
  
• nausea and vomiting
  
  
• fainting

The skin may be cool and moist. The victim's pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Seek medical attention and call 911 immediately if:

• symptoms are severe, or
  
  
• the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure.

Otherwise, help the victim to cool off, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.

Heat exhaustion treatment

Cooling measures that may be effective include:

• cool, non-alcoholic beverages, as directed by your physician
  
  
• rest
  
  
• cool shower, bath, or sponge bath
  
  
• an air-conditioned environment
  
  
• Lightweight clothing

Heat stroke occurs when heat exhaustion is left untreated and the victim's core body temperature continues to rise. Heat stroke is a severe emergency that can lead to coma, irreversible brain damage and death. Learn to recognize heat stroke and treat the victim aggressively to prevent further injury. Signs and symptoms of heat stroke:

• coma or confusion
• hot, flushed, dry skin
• deep, rapid breathing
• possibly seizures

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: Less than a minute

Here's How:

1. Stay safe! If the environment is hot enough for the victim to get overheated, then it's hot enough for the rescuers. Follow universal precautions and wear personal protective equipment if you have it. There are also several other causes of coma that may affect the victim.
2. Call 911 immediately!
3. Assure that the victim has an airway and is breathing. Follow the ABC's {airway,breathing,and circulation}.
4. Move the victim to a cooler environment immediately. Shade is better than sun, air conditioning is better than outside, etc. The cooler the better.
5. Remove the victim's clothing to encourage heat loss.
6. Put ice on the armpits, groin, and neck area. Cool the victim as aggressively as possible.

Tips:

1. Strip the victim completely to facilitate cooling.
2. Cover the victim with a sheet soaked with water to cool the victim's body.
3. Use ice at the victim's armpits, neck, and groin.
4. DO NOT give the victim of heat stroke anything to drink.
5. A victim conscious enough to follow commands may be suffering heat exhaustion.