Heat stroke vs. heat exhaustion
Know the signs and be able to tell the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion this summer.
Heat stroke
What to look for | What to do |
|---|---|
| High body temperature (103° or higher) or hot, red, dry or damp skin | Call 911 right away – heat stroke is a medical emergency |
| Fast, strong pulse | Move the person to a cooler place |
| Headache, dizziness, or nausea | Help lower the person's temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath |
| Confusion or Losing consciousness (passing out) | Do not give the person anything to drink, and get medical help immediately |
Heat exhaustion
What to look for | What to do |
|---|---|
| Heavy sweating | Move to a cool place |
| Cold, pale and clammy skin | Loosen your clothes |
| Fast, weak pulse | Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath |
| Nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, or fainting (passing out) | Get medical help immediately if you are vomiting, symptoms get worse or symptoms last longer than an hour |
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
*If you see any of these signs listed above, get medical help immediately.