Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Another scorcher today!  Over the last couple of weeks, we at MCFRS have preached to everyone to stay cool and stay hydrated.  Hopefully, everyone will be able to do that.

Just in case, I thought it would be useful to post the signs and symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.  Warning signs can vary among individuals but common signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke may include: 

Heat Exhaustion: 

• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Pulse rate: fast and weak
• Breathing: fast and shallow
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Headache and/or dizziness 

Heat Stroke:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees)
• The absence of sweating
• Rapid pulse 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Throbbing headache
• Strange behavior and/or hallucinations
• Confusion, agitation and disorientation
• Unconscious                             

If you recognize that you, or someone else, are showing signs of a heat-related illness, stop the activity immediately, find a cool place to rest, hydrate and seek medical attention if necessary.

Remember, Heat Stroke is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY that can be fatal if not treated promptly.  Call 911 right away if you suspect Heat Stroke.