"Heat Exhaustion" and "Heatstroke" (also called Sunstroke), of the two Heatstroke is by far the most dangerous situation but Heat Exhaustion should be monitored closely.
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion: Nausea, dizziness, weakness, headache, skin is pale and moist, possibly heavy, perspiration. Temperature is low or normal. Weak pulse. Dilated pupils. Disorientation or fainting spells.
First Aid for Heat Exhaustion: Remove victim to cooler location, out of sun. Loosen or remove clothing and cool victim with water, fanning for quick evaporation. Use cold compresses -— especially to head and neck area, also to armpits and groin. DO NOT use an alcohol rub. DO NOT give any medication to lower fever. Give victim electrolyte beverages to sip or slightly salted water (1 tsp. per quart) 1/2 cup every 15 minutes. DO NOT give any liquids containing alcohol or caffeine as these may interfere with the body's ability to regulate it's internal temperature. If the victims' condition does not improve or worsens, seek medical attention immediately.
Heat exhaustion starts with the accumulation of large quantities of blood in the skin in the body's attempt to increase it's cooling efficiency. Usually this is due to temperature conditions the individual is not accustomed to. This causes a loss of circulating blood volume which decreases the blood supply to the brain and can cause fainting. While this isn't as serious as heat stroke, the individual should be closely monitored.
Symptoms of Heatstroke or Sunstroke: Headache, nausea, dizziness. Red, dry, very hot skin (sweating has ceased). Pulse-strong and rapid. Small pupils. Very high fever. May become extremely disoriented. Unconsciousness and possible convulsions.
First Aid for Heatstroke or Sunstroke: WARNING, HEATSTROKE IS LIFE THREATENING! Remove victim to cooler location, out of the sun. Loosen or remove clothing and immerse victim in very cool water if possible. If immersion isn't possible, cool victim with water, or wrap in wet sheets and fan for quick evaporation. Use cold compresses-especially to the head and neck area, also to armpits and groin. Seek medical attention immediately—continue first aid to lower temp until medical help takes over.
DO NOT give any medication to lower fever — it will not be effective and may cause further harm. DO NOT use an alcohol rub. It is not advisable to give the victim anything by mouth (even water) until the condition has been stabilized.
The underlying cause of heatstroke is connected to the sometimes sudden inability to dissipate body heat through perspiration, especially after strenuous physical activity. This accounts for the excessive rise in body temperature, and it is the high fever which can cause permanent damage to internal organs and can result in death if not treated immediately. Recovery depends on heat duration and intensity. The goal of emergency treatment is to maintain circulation and lower body temperature as quickly as possible.
*Article reprinted from the Texas State Guard Associations's Web Site. For further information, see: http://txusa.com/tsga/medical.htm.