Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke
Heat exhaustion can progress to life-threatening heat stroke. Know the difference.
🌡️ Heat Exhaustion (Less Severe)
- Heavy sweating
- Cool, pale, clammy skin
- Weak pulse
- Nausea, headache, dizziness
- Treatment: Move to cool area, loosen clothes, cool wet cloths, sip water
🚨 Heat Stroke (CALL 911)
- High body temp (103°F+)
- Hot, RED, dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Confusion, unconsciousness
- Action: Call 911, cool rapidly with ice/cold water, DO NOT give fluids
Hypothermia
Body temperature drops dangerously low (below 95°F). Can happen even in 40-50°F weather with wet clothing.
🌡️ Hypothermia Signs
- Shivering (stops in severe cases)
- Slurred speech, confusion
- Drowsiness, exhaustion
- Loss of coordination
- Slow, shallow breathing
🌡️ Treatment
- Move to warm area
- Remove wet clothing
- Warm center of body first (chest, neck, head)
- Use blankets, skin-to-skin contact
- Give warm drinks if conscious (no alcohol)
- Call 911 for severe cases
Frostbite
Freezing of skin and tissue, usually fingers, toes, nose, ears.
🌡️ Frostbite Signs & Treatment
- White or grayish-yellow skin
- Skin feels waxy or unusually firm
- Numbness in affected area
- Treatment: Get indoors, immerse in warm (not hot) water, don't rub affected area
- Seek medical care for severe frostbite