First Aid & Emergencies

Heat Exhaustion Treatment

• 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 or her into a cool shower or bath, apply cool compresses, or give the person a cool sponge bath

2. Rehydrate

• Give cool, nonalcoholic and non caffeinated 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