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Heat Emergencies First Aid Guide Symptoms

The early symptoms of heat illness include:

• Profuse sweating
• Fatigue
• Thirst
• Muscle cramps

Later symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Headache
• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Cool, moist skin
• Dark urine

The symptoms of heatstroke (a much more serious condition) include:

• Fever (temperature above 104°F)
• Irrational behavior
• Dry, hot, and red skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

First Aid

1. Have the person lie down in a cool place. Elevate the person's feet about 12 inches.
2. Remove from sunlight or source and cool slowly, remove clothing and place person in air conditioned or shaded location.
3. Apply cool, wet cloths to the person's skin and use a fan to lower body temperature. Place cold compresses on the person's neck, groin, and armpits.
4. If alert, give the person cool water to sip or ice chips.
5. For muscle cramps, give water as above and massage affected muscles gently, but firmly, until they relax.
6. If the person shows signs of shock (bluish lips and fingernails and decreased alertness), starts having seizures, or loses consciousness, call 911 and administer first aid accordingly.

DO NOT

• DO NOT underestimate the seriousness of heat illness, especially if the person is a child, elderly, or injured.
• DO NOT give the person medications that are used to treat fever (such as aspirin or acetaminophen). They will not help, and they may be harmful.
• DO NOT give the person salt tablets.
• DO NOT give the person liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. They will interfere with the body's ability to control its internal temperature.
• DO NOT use alcohol rubs on the person's skin.
• DO NOT give the person anything by mouth (not even salted drinks) if the person is vomiting or unconscious.

Call 911 if:

• The person loses consciousness at any time.
• There is any other change in the person's alertness (confusion or seizures).
• Other symptoms of heat stroke are present (rapid pulse or rapid breathing).
• The person's condition does not improve, or worsens despite treatment.