# Heat Exhaustion

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**What is it?**</span>

##### <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating.</span>

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**Symptoms:**</span>

- ##### 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

#### <span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">**Plan of Action:**</span>

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

##### <span style="text-decoration: underline;">**If you suspect heat exhaustion, take these steps immediately:**</span>

- ##### 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.

##### <span style="text-decoration: underline;">**Call 911 or your local emergency number if the person's condition gets worse, especially if he or she experiences:**</span>

- ##### Fainting
- ##### Agitation
- ##### Confusion
- ##### Seizures
- ##### Inability to drink
- ##### Core body temperature — measured by rectal thermometer — of 104 F (40 C) (heatstroke)