Heat Exhaustion

What is it?

The body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating.

Symptoms:

• Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat

• Heavy sweating

• Faintness

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Weak, rapid pulse

• Low blood pressure upon standing

• Muscle cramps

• Nausea or vomiting

• Headache

• Extreme thirst

• Mild confusion

• Decreased urine output

Plan of Action:

Untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, which is a life-threatening condition.

If you suspect heat exhaustion, take these steps immediately:

• Move the person out of the heat and into a shady or air-conditioned place.

• Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly.

• Remove tight or heavy clothing.

• Have the person sip chilled water, a decaffeinated sports drink containing electrolytes or other nonalcoholic beverage without caffeine.

• Cool the person by spraying or sponging with cool water and fanning.

• Monitor the person carefully.

Contact a health care provider if signs or symptoms worsen or if the person doesn't improve after taking first-aid measures.

Call 911 or your local emergency number if the person's condition gets worse, especially if he or she experiences:

• Fainting

• Agitation

• Confusion

• Seizures

• Inability to drink

• Core body temperature — measured by rectal thermometer — of 104 F (40 C) (heatstroke)