Warmer weather is here, and we should be aware of the risks posed by Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke. Especially in young children.
Heat Exhaustion
What happens to the body?
Headaches, dizziness, or light-headedness, weakness, mood
changes, irritability or confusion, feeling sick to your stomach, vomiting,
fainting, decreased and dark-colored urine, and pale, clammy skin.
First Aid Measures:
- Move the person to a cool, shaded area.
- Don’t leave the person alone.
- If the person is dizzy or light-headed, lay him/her on their back and raise their legs about 6-8 inches. If the person is sick to their stomach, lay them on their side. Loosen and remove heavy clothing. Have the person drink some cool water (a small cup every 15 minutes) if they are not feeling sick to their stomach.
- Try to cool the person by fanning them. Cool the skin with a cool spray mist of water or wet cloth. If the person does not feel better in a few minutes dial 911.
Heat Stroke
What happens to the body?
Dry, pale skin (no sweating); hot, red skin (looks like a sunburn); mood changes; irritability, confusion, and not making any sense; seizures and collapse (will not respond).
First Aid Measures:
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| Click on the heat index for a larger view |
- Call 911 – this is a medical emergency!
- Move the person to a cool, shaded area. Don’t leave the person alone. Lay them on their back and if the person is having seizures, remove close objects that could cause injury to the person. If the person is sick to their stomach lay them on their left side.
- Remove heavy outer clothing.
- Have the person drink some cool water – no caffeine (a small cup every 15 minutes) if they are alert and do not feel sick to their stomach. Do not give liquids if the person has diminished mental status. Immediately cool the person with any means possible. Cool the skin with a spray mist of water, sponge with cold water, apply ice bags or cold packs beside the neck, armpits, and groin.
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