What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion and how are they treated?
Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include dizziness, headache, nausea, abdominal cramps, shallow breathing, cool and clammy skin, muscle tremors and heavy perspiration. A person suffering from heat exhaustion should be moved to an air-conditioned environment if possible. If outside, move the person to a shady spot. Loosen the person’s clothing and encourage him or her to drink cool, non-alcoholic, decaffeinated beverages. Keep the person quiet. It may be necessary to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour or if the person has heart problems or high blood pressure. If left untreated, heat exhaustion may progress to heatstroke. How can I avoid heat exhaustion and heatstroke? Try to keep cool during extremely hot weather. Stay in a cool environment (preferably air conditioned), drink plenty of fluids–such as water, fruit juices or fruit drinks–and use common sense. Heat injury may develop with or without feelings of discomfort. What if I do not have an air
