Heat exhaustion vs. heatstroke: symptoms and first aid?
Heat Exhaustion vs. Heatstroke: Symptoms and First Aid
Know the life-threatening differences—this could save a life.
🔥 Heat Exhaustion (Warning Stage)
Symptoms:
✅ Heavy sweating
✅ Cold, clammy skin
✅ Dizziness/weakness
✅ Nausea or vomiting
✅ Muscle cramps
✅ Rapid pulse but normal-to-mildly elevated temperature
First Aid:
- Move to shade/AC immediately.
- Hydrate: Sip water or electrolyte drinks.
- Cool: Wet cloths on skin; fan airflow.
- Lie down with legs elevated.▶ *Recovery often within 30-60 mins with treatment.*
🚨 Heatstroke (MEDICAL EMERGENCY!)
Symptoms:
❌ NO sweating (hot, dry skin)
❌ Confusion, slurred speech, or seizures
❌ Body temp >104°F (40°C)
❌ Throbbing headache
❌ Rapid, shallow breathing
❌ Unconsciousness
First Aid:
- CALL 911 NOW (every minute counts).
- Cool aggressively: Immerse in cool water or apply ice packs to neck/groin/armpits.
- Do NOT give fluids (risk of choking).
- Monitor breathing until help arrives.
⚠️ Critical Differences
Factor | Heat Exhaustion | Heatstroke |
---|---|---|
Sweating | Heavy | Absent |
Skin | Clammy/cool | Hot/dry |
Mental State | Anxious but lucid | Confused/unconscious |
Body Temp | Normal or slightly high | >104°F (40°C+) |
Urgency | Treat on-site | 911 immediately |
🛡️ Prevention Tips
- Hydrate early: Drink before feeling thirsty.
- Avoid peak sun: Hike/works before 10 AM or after 4 PM.
- Dress smart: Light colors + breathable fabrics.
- Acclimate: Build heat tolerance gradually.
- Never leave anyone in parked cars (temps soar in minutes!).
Pro Tip: Heat exhaustion CAN escalate to heatstroke in 10-15 mins if untreated! At first dizziness/nausea, STOP activity and cool down.
Verdict:Heat exhaustion = treatable warning.Heatstroke = organ-failure risk—requires ER intervention. Recognizing the absence of sweat + mental changes is critical.
#HeatSafety #SummerHealth #FirstAid #HeatstrokeAwareness
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