Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a condition whose symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, a result of your body overheating. It’s one of three heat-related syndromes, with heat cramps being the mildest and heatstroke being the most severe.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Headaches,
• Dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting
• Weakness,
• Mood changes, irritability or confusion
• Feeling sick to your stomach and/or vomiting
• Extreme sweating
• Decreased and dark-colored urine
• Pale clammy skin

What should you do if someone is experiencing heat exhaustion?

• Move the person to a cool, shaded area. Don’t leave the person alone. If the person is dizzy or light-headed, lay him on his back and raise his legs about 6-8 inches. If the person is sick to his stomach, lay him on his side.
• Loosen and remove heavy clothing.
• Have the person drink some cool water (a small cup every 15 minutes) if he is not feeling sick to his stomach.
• Try to cool the person by fanning him. Cool the skin with a cool spray mist of water or wet cloth.
• If the person does not feel better in a few minutes, call for emergency help (ambulance or 911.)
• If heat exhaustion is not treated, the illness may advance to heat stroke.