Symptoms of heat-related illness can happen in any order. You don't need to have every symptom in a category to have heat illness.
Stop what you're doing, get cool, get shade and drink fluids. Call 911 for immediate help.
Table source: NIOSH First Aid for Heat Illness Fact Sheet (PDF)| Illnesses Caused by Heat | Signs and Symptoms | What to Do |
|---|
| Heat rash | Red cluster of pimples or small blisters | - Move to cooler, less humid areas
- Keep rash area dry; do not use ointments or creams
|
| Heat cramps | Muscle cramps, pain or spasms in abdomen, arms or legs | - Drink fluids
- Get medical help
|
| Heat fainting | - Fainting, dizziness
- Light-headedness after standing or suddenly rising from a sitting/lying position
| - Sit or lie down in a cool place
- Slowly drink water or clear juice
|
| Heat exhaustion | - Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Thirst
- Heavy sweating
- Irritability
| - Get medical help
- Move from hot area and take frequent sips of liquids
- Use cold compresses, ice bath, fans
|
| Heat stroke | - Confusion, altered mental state
- Slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness
- Hot, dry skin
- Seizures
| - This is a medical emergency. Get help immediately.
- Move to a cool place
- Remove clothing and:
- Immerse in tub of ice water,
- Place in tarp with ice or
- Apply cold, wet towels to entire body
|
