Dangers of Heat Exposure

According to weather.gov, symptoms of heat exposure include:

• Heat Cramps:

  • Dangers: This is the first sign of heat-related illness and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke

  • Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps and spasms, usually in legs and abdomen; heavy sweating.

  • First aid: Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles, give sips of water (unless nausea is present). Seek medical attention if cramps last longer than 1 hour.

• Heat Exhaustion:

  • Dangers: This may lead to heat stroke, dehydration, rhabdomyolysis, or heart failure

  • Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness or tiredness, clammy skin, fast and weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, vomiting, headache, fainting.

  • First aid: Move to a cooler environment, loosen clothing, apply cool wet cloth, offer sips of water. Seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, or if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.

• Heat Stroke:

  • Dangers: This may lead to organ damage, neurological issues, or death

  • Symptoms: Throbbing headache, confusion, slurred speech, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, hot skin, rapid and strong pulse, fainting, loss of consciousness.

  • First aid: Call 911 or get the victim to the hospital immediately.