It’s impossible to overstate the importance of continuing to educate yourself about ways to stay safe – and to keep your loved ones safe – during the hottest months of the year.
It’s important to know how to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat exposure. After all, even if you’re taking all necessary precautions, problems can occur. Heat exhaustion signs will appear first, and then heat stroke signs. Symptoms, as described by the Centers for Disease Control, are detailed below.
Heat Exhaustion
The signs of heat exhaustion may include the following:
- Breathing that is shallow and fast
- Clammy skin
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Excessive sweating
- Fainting
- Headache
- Loss of color in skin
- Nausea
- Pale complexion
- Pulse that is fast and weak
- Skin that feels moist and cool (when touched)
- Sweating
- Tiredness
- Vomiting
If you see any of the above exhaustion signs, get out of the heat immediately. The person experiencing symptoms should be given plenty of cool fluids and be wiped own with cool cloths. If rapid improvement isn’t seen, medical attention may be necessary.
Heat Stroke
The signs of major heat exposure, also known as heat stroke, include the following:
- Dizziness
- Extremely high body temperature (over 103 degrees F)
- Headache that is throbbing
- Lack of sweating
- Nausea
- Rapid pulse that is strong
- Red skin that is hot and dry (when touched)
Heat stroke always requires medical attention. If you see any of the above exposure signs, get the person out of the heat immediately and take them to the nearest hospital or call 911.