Utah is hitting record heats all over the state. That being the case it is very important to know the signs and differences of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. If an individual is suffering from heat exhaustion they will feel faint or dizzy, they will be excessively sweating, they will have cool, pale, clammy skin, they will suffer from nausea or vomiting, they will have a rapid, weak pulse and be suffering from muscle cramps. To treat heat exhaustion get to a cooler, air conditioned place. Be sure to drink water if fully conscious. Take a cool shower or use cold compresses. The only condition heat stroke shares with heat exhaustion is nausea or vomiting. It is heat stroke when the person is suffering with a throbbing headache and/or confusion, they are not sweating, their body temperature is above 103 degrees with red, hot and dry skin, they have a rapid and strong pulse and they may lose consciousness. If a person is suffering heat stroke, call 9-1-1. Move the person to a cooler place. Cool them using cool cloths or a bath. Do not give anything to drink. Knowing the symptoms and knowing the difference could potentially save someone’s life.
