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County Home > County News > 2005 News > Heat Awareness > Heat Emergencies

Signs and symptoms of heat emergencies:
Heat Exhaustion:  

  • Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin
  • Heavy sweating
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Exhaustion
  • Body temperature will be near normal.

Heat Stroke:

  • Hot, red skin
  • Changes in consciousness
  • Rapid, weak pulse
  • Rapid, shallow breathing
  • Body temperature can be very high. Sometimes as high as 105º F.
  • If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry.

Treatment for Heat Emergencies:
Heat Cramps

  • Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position.
  • Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids.
  • Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes.
  • Electrolyte replacement fluids should be diluted by at least half with water.  Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.

Heat Exhaustion

  • Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place.
  • Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets.
  • If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink.
  • Make sure the person drinks slowly.
  • Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes.
  • Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine.
  • Let the victim rest in a comfortable position and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition.

Heat Stroke:

  • Call 911!
  • Move the person to a cooler place.
  • Quickly cool the body.
  • Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it.
  • Watch for signs of breathing problems.
  • Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can.
  • If the victim refuses water, is vomiting, or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

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