Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion
Know the signs and be able to tell the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion this summer:
Heat stroke
| What to look for |
What to do |
| High body temperature (103° or higher) or hot, red, dry or damp skin |
Call 911 right away – heat stroke is a medical emergency |
| Fast, strong pulse |
Move the person to a cooler place |
| Headache, dizziness, or nausea |
Help lower the person's temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath |
| Confusion or Losing consciousness (passing out) |
Do not give the person anything to drink, and get medical help immediately |
|
Heat exhaustion
| What to look for |
What to do |
| Heavy sweating |
Move to a cool place |
| Cold, pale and clammy skin |
Loosen your clothes |
| Fast, weak pulse |
Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath |
| Nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, or fainting (passing out) |
Get medical help immediately if you are vomiting, symptoms get worse or symptoms last longer than an hour |
|
Source: Center for Disease Control
*If you see any of these signs listed above, get medical help immediately.
