How To Treat Heat Exhaustion.

[FLT MEDIC]

How To Treat Heat Exhaustion (from firstaid.about.com/od/heatcoldexposur1/ht/06_heatillness.htm).

By Rod Brouhard, Paramedic
Updated: August 1, 2008



Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion:

1. weakness

2. dizziness

3. warm, moist, pale skin

4. nausea and vomiting


Time Required: One minute to recognize, several minutes to treat.


Here's How:

1. Call 911 if the victim is unable to follow commands or is vomiting.

2. If the patient has stopped sweating and/or is unconscious, treat for heat stroke.

3. Stay safe! If the environment is hot enough for the victim to get overheated, then it's hot enough for the rescuers. Follow universal precautions and wear personal protective equipment if you have it.

4. Make sure the patient has an airway and is breathing. Follow the ABC's of first aid.

5. Move the victim to a cooler environment immediately. Shade is better than sun, air conditioning is better than outside, etc. The cooler the better.

6. Remove the victim's clothing to encourage heat loss.

7. If the victim is conscious and able to follow commands, he or she can drink fluids to rehydrate.


Heat exhaustion is caused by an increase in core body temperature often coupled with fluid loss (dehydration).
It's important to recognize heat exhaustion early and seek treatment as quickly as possible. It does not need to be hot outside for heat exhaustion to occur. Many victims develop heat exhaustion just from exertion.

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke if not treated in time.