Heat illnesses are easily preventable by taking necessary precautions in hot weather.

Children, elderly, and obese people are particularly at risk of developing heat illness. Also, people taking certain medications are at increased risk. However, even a top athlete in superb condition can succumb to heat illness if he or she ignores the warning signs.

Without intervention and resolution of the problem, heat cramps (caused by loss of salt from heavy sweating) can lead to heat exhaustion (caused by dehydration), which can progress to heatstroke (which can cause shock, brain damage, organ failure, and death).

Common causes of heat emergencies:

• High temperatures or humidity
• Dehydration
• Prolonged or excessive exercise
• Excess clothing
• Alcohol use
• Medications, such as diuretics, neuroleptics, phenothiazines, and anticholinergics
• Cardiovascular disease
• Sweat gland dysfunction

• Profuse sweating
• Fatigue
• Thirst
• Muscle cramps

Later symptoms of heat exhaustion:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Weakness and light-headedness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Cool, moist skin
• Dark urine

Symptoms of heatstroke:

• Fever (body temperature above 104 degrees F)
• Irrational behavior
• Extreme confusion
• Dry, hot, and red skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

1. Remove the victim from the heat and have the victim lie down in a cool place with feet elevated about 12 inches.

2. Apply cool, wet cloths (or cool water directly) to the victim's skin and use a fan to lower temperature. Avoid using alcohol rub. Place cold compresses on the victim's neck, groin, and armpits.

3. If alert, give the victim beverages to sip (such as Gatorade), or make a salted drink by adding a teaspoon of salt per quart of water. Give a half cup every 15 minutes. Cool water will do if salt beverages are not available.

4. For muscle cramps, give beverages as above and massage affected muscles gently, but firmly until they relax.

5. If the victim shows signs of shock (bluish lips and fingernails and decreased alertness), administer first aid for shock.

6. If the victim starts having seizures, protect him or her from injury and give convulsion, first aid.

7. If the victim loses consciousness, apply first aid for unconsciousness, and call 911 or your local emergency number.

8. For serious heat illness, keep the victim cool until you get medical help.

• DO NOT underestimate the seriousness of heat illness, especially if the victim is a child, is elderly, or is injured.
• DO NOT give the victim medications that are used to treat fever (such as aspirin). They will not help, and they may be harmful.
• DO NOT give the victim salt tablets.
• DO NOT overlook possible complications resulting from a victim's other medical problems (such as high blood pressure).
• DO NOT give the victim liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. They will interfere with the body's ability to control its internal temperature.
• DO NOT give the victim anything by mouth (not even salted drinks) if the person is vomiting or is unconscious.

• The victim's condition does not improve with treatment
• There is any alteration in the victim's level of alertness (confusion, unconsciousness, seizures)

• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in hot weather.
• Rest frequently and seek shade when possible.
• Avoid hot places.
• Drink adequate fluids.
• Avoid overheating if you are taking drugs that impair heat regulation, or if you are obese, or elderly.
• Exercise gradually and increase salt and water intake.