A heat stroke victim's skin is hot, usually dry, red or spotted. Body temperature is usually 105^o F or higher, and the victim is mentally confused, delirious, perhaps in convulsions, or unconscious. Unless the victim receives quick and appropriate treatment, death can occur.

Any person with signs or symptoms of heat stroke requires immediate hospitalization. However, first aid should be immediately administered. This includes removing the victim to a cool area, thoroughly soaking the clothing with water, and vigorously fanning the body to increase cooling. Further treatment at a medical facility should be directed to the continuation of the cooling process and the monitoring of complications which often accompany the heat stroke. Early recognition and treatment of heat stroke are the only means of preventing permanent brain damage or death.

Heat stroke first aid:

• Move the victim to a cool place. Remove heavy clothing; light clothing can be left in place.
• Immediately cool the victim by any available means. Such as placing ice packs at areas with abundant blood supply (neck, armpits, and groin). Wet towels or sheets are also effective. The cloths should be kept wet with cool water.
• To prevent hypothermia continue cooling the victim until their temperature drops to 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Keep the victim's head and shoulders slightly elevated.
• Seek medical attention immediately. All heat stroke victims need hospitalization.
• Care for seizures if they occur.
• Do not use aspirin or acetaminophen.

Heat Exhaustion:

Heat exhaustion includes several clinical disorders having symptoms which may resemble the early symptoms of heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is caused by the loss of large amounts of fluid by sweating, sometimes with excessive loss of salt. A worker suffering from heat exhaustion still sweats but experiences extreme weakness or fatigue, giddiness, nausea, or headache. In more serious cases, the victim may vomit or lose consciousness. The skin is clammy and moist, the complexion is pale or flushed, and the body temperature is normal or only slightly elevated.

In most cases, treatment involves having the victim rest in a cool place and drinks plenty of liquids. Victims with mild cases of heat exhaustion usually recover spontaneously with this treatment. Those with severe cases may require extended care for several days. There are no known permanent effects.

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