Signs of heat exhaustion

New Haven, Conn. (WTNH) - The New Haven Health Department recommends that people without air conditioning spend time in locations with air-conditioning, like the mall or library, or at a cooling center.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include: headaches; dizziness or lightheadedness; weakness; mood changes such as irritability, confusion, or the inability to think straight; upset stomach; vomiting; decreased or dark-colored urine; fainting or passing out; and pale, clammy skin.

What should you do? Act immediately. If not treated, heat exhaustion may advance to
heat stroke and death.

• Move the person to a cool, shaded area to rest. Don't leave the person alone.
• If symptoms include dizziness or lightheadedness, lay the person on his or her back and raise the legs 6 to 8 inches.
• If symptoms include nausea or upset stomach, lay the person on his or her side.
• Loosen and remove any heavy clothing.
• Have the person drink cool water (about a cup every 15 minutes) unless sick to the stomach.
• Cool the person's body by fanning and spraying with a cool mist of water or applying a wet cloth to the person's skin.
• Call 911 for emergency help if the person does not feel better in a few minutes.

Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to cool itself down. It can cause death or permanent injury if treatment is not provided.

Symptoms of heat stroke include: an extremely high body temperature (over 103°F); red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; unconsciousness

What Should You Do? If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance (911) while you begin cooling the person.

Do the following:

• Get the person to a shady area.
• Cool the person rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the person in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the person with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the person in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
• Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
• If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
• Do not give the person fluids to drink.
• Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

Sometimes a person's muscles will begin to twitch uncontrollably as a result of heat stroke. If this happens, keep the person from injuring himself, but do not place any object in the mouth and do not give fluids.

If there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turning the person on his or her side.