Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke – Stay Cool!

There’s no doubt about it that the warm weather is here to stay. As we celebrated the First Day of Summer yesterday, it’s important to stay hydrated and stay cool in the warm months to come…especially if you are working (or playing) outside.

With that being said, let’s talk about Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke; Both of these conditions are considered heat emergencies. So, what are the symptoms and how do we treat these first aid heat emergencies?

Heat Exhaustion

Occurs when internal temperature starts to rise due to dehydration. If not treated quickly, Heat Exhaustion can lead to Heat Stroke.

Symptoms

• Heavy sweating
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Pale or cool skin

First Aid Steps

• Move the person to a cooler place
• Have the person lay down or sit down
• Loosen/remove sweaty clothing
• Elevate feet 6-12 inches
• Spray the person down with a spray mist water bottle or sponge body with a wet cloth
• If the person can sit up and swallow, give the person something to drink – either a sports drink to restore electrolytes or water

Heat Stroke

Occurs when the body’s internal cooling system shuts down due to extreme over-heating. Heat Stroke is a life-threatening condition and must be treated quickly to avoid possible brain damage or death.

Symptoms

• Skin is very warm or hot to the touch
• Skin can be red and completely dry – sweating has stopped
• Confusion and trouble communicating
• Seizures can occur or person can be unresponsive

First Aid Steps

• Call 9-1-1 immediately
• Begin immediate cooling
• Immerse person up to their chin in cold water in a bathtub or pool
• If you cannot immerse, pour cold water all over the person and fan him/her
• Apply cold packs to the neck, groin, and armpit areas
• Cover the person with a cold, wet sheet and continue fanning
• Keep cooling the person until EMS arrives

What is the biggest difference between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke?

Heat Exhaustion

Person is sweating heavily because his/her body is still trying to cool itself.

Heat Stroke

Person stops sweating because body’s cooling system is shutting down. Person’s skin is dry and hot to the touch.

Training

View our upcoming classes for First Aid here in the Pittsburgh Area.

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