Heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Know the difference

Heat exhaustion usually comes first: heavy sweating; cool, pale, clammy skin; a fast, weak pulse; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; dizziness; headache; nausea or vomiting; or fainting.

Heat stroke is an emergency: a very high body temperature; hot, red skin (dry or damp); a fast, strong pulse; headache; confusion or acting strangely; or passing out.

What to do for heat exhaustion

1. Move to a cool place, like air conditioning or shade.
2. Loosen or remove extra or tight clothing.
3. Cool the body with cool, wet cloths, a cool bath or shower, or a fan.
4. Sip water or a sports drink if the person is awake and not throwing up.
5. Rest. Get medical help right away if they get worse, throw up, or don’t feel better within 1 hour.

What to do for heat stroke

1. Call 911.
2. Move the person to a cooler place.
3. Cool them down fast. The best way is to put their body (neck down) in a tub of cold water or ice water while someone watches them closely. If you can’t, spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them, or put ice packs or cold, wet towels on the neck, armpits, and groin.
4. Keep cooling until emergency help arrives.
5. Don’t give drinks if they are confused, vomiting, or not fully awake.

Prevention

• Drink water often in hot weather, even if you aren’t thirsty.
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing. Rest in the shade and avoid hard activity in the hottest part of the day.
• Never leave a child, an adult who needs care, or a pet in a parked car, even for a minute.
• Check on older adults, young children, and people with chronic illness — they are at higher risk.