Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
- Nausea, dizziness, weakness, headache
- Skin is pale & 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 & 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.
|
|