Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke Instruction Sheet:Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke first aid

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Heat exhaustion is one of the heat-related syndromes, which range in severity from mild heat cramps to heat exhaustion to potentially life-threatening heatstroke.
Our bodies are able to cool down using a system of sweating and radiating heat through the skin. In extreme conditions such as high temperatures, high humidity in combination with exercise can cause the body to be unable to loose all the heat. As heat builds up in the body heat illnesses can occur. Avoid heat illnesses by avoiding too high temperatures and body exercise. Assure yourself that you are drinking more fluids than you are losing. Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion often begin suddenly, sometimes after excessive exercise, heavy perspiration, and inadequate fluid or salt intake. Signs and symptoms resemble those of shock and may include:
Feeling faint or dizzy Nausea Heavy sweating Rapid, weak heartbeat Low blood pressure Cool, moist, pale skin Low-grade fever Heat cramps Headache Fatigue Dark-colored urine
If you suspect heat exhaustion:
Get the person out of the sun and into a shady or air-conditioned location. Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly. Loosen or remove the person's clothing. Have the person drink cool water or other nonalcoholic beverage without caffeine. Cool the person by spraying or sponging him or her with cool water and fanning. Monitor the person carefully. Heat exhaustion can quickly become heatstroke.
If fever greater than 102 F (38.9 C), fainting, confusion or seizures occur, call 911 or emergency medical help.
Heat illnesses develop in the following stages:
Heat CrampsHeat cramps are pretty innocent they occur as brief but severe cramps in the leg, arm or abdomen muscles. They are painful but not too serious. Cool down by resting out of the sun and drinking cold beverages. Heat ExhaustionIf the heat continues to build up inside the body a person can suffer from heat exhaustion. Symptoms include dehydration, fatigue, weakness, headaches, nausea, vomiting and hyperventilation. Heat Exhaustion can get very serious. Get away from the heat as soon as possible. Drink cool beverages. If seriously overheated, remove all clothes and bathe in cool, not cold, water. Visit a doctor for serious cases. Heat StrokeIf the situation becomes worse, a person might suffer from heat stroke. The body is no longer able to control the body's temperature and the body temperature rises to dangerous levels (42 degrees and up). Signs of a heat stroke are: hot and dry skin, severe headaches, dizziness, weakness, disorientation, fatigue, seizure, loss of consciousness. It is essential to get the body temperature down as quickly as possible to avoid brain damage or even death. Take of all the victim's clothes and if possible submerge the victim in cool water or cover the victim with ice bags. Keep the victim moist and if enough water is not available, use a blower or any other method of cooling down the victim.
It is important to know how you should take care of yourself when you go out for fun and adventure. There are many possible situations that may occur. These are only some guides on how you can prevent them.
Home care is appropriate for mild forms of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and an ambulance should be called immediately.
For mild cases of heat exhaustion
Rest in a cool, shaded area. Give cool fluids such as water or sports drinks (that will replace the salt that has been lost). Salty snacks are appropriate as tolerated. Loosen or remove clothing. Apply cool water to skin. Do not use an alcohol rub. Do not give any beverages containing alcohol or caffeine. Heat stroke (do not attempt to treat a case of heat stroke at home, but you can help while waiting for medical assistance to arrive.)
Call 911 immediately Move the person to a cooler environment, or place him or her in a cool bath of water (as long as he or she is conscious and can be attended continuously). Alternatively, moisten the skin with lukewarm water and use a fan to blow cool air across the skin. Give cool beverages by mouth only if the person has a normal mental state and can tolerate it.
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