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First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
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Heat Exhaustion Treatment

Call 911 if the person:

  • Has a very high, weak pulse rate and rapid shallow breathing, especially when combined with high or low blood pressure
  • Is unconscious, disoriented, or has a high body temperature
  • Has warm, dry skin, elevated or lowered blood pressure, and is hyperventilating

1. Lower Body Temperature

  • Get the person out of the heat and into a cool environment.
  • If air-conditioning is not available, fan the person.
  • Spray the person with a garden hose, get him into a cool shower, apply cool compresses, or give the person a sponge bath

 

2. Rehydrate

  • Give cool, nonalcoholic beverages as long as the person is alert.

 

3. Rest

  • Have the person avoid physical activity for the rest of the day.
  • Give over the counter acetaminophen if the person has a mild headache.

 

4. See a Health Care Provider

Untreated heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke. See a doctor that day if:

  • Symptoms get worse or last more than an hour
  • The person is nauseated or vomiting

 

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Robert L. Norris, MD on November 07, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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