Difference Between Heat Exhaustion And Heat Stroke

With the hot weather cranking up this week…just a reminder of what to be aware of if you or someone is possibly suffering from heat exhaustion or the much worse heat stroke. With heat exhaustion, the person may become dizzy or faint, be sweating excessively with cold clammy skin, can experience nausea or vomiting, have a rapid but weak pulse and have muscle cramps. For heat exhaustion, get the person into a cool air conditioned place and have them drink water if they are conscious…and have them take a cool shower.

The signs of heat stroke are a little different. Someone suffering from heat stroke will have a throbbing headache, will NOT be sweating, will have red, hot, dry skin and a body temperature of above 103 degrees. They may also have nausea and vomiting but will have a rapid strong pulse. That person may also lose consciousness. If you think someone is suffering from heat stroke, you should call 911 and get help to that person immediately.