heat illness Heat Illness     Heat Emergencies Heat Emergencies    health tip of the day HOME

Getting dehydrated can be a serious condition

Heat Emergencies

Heat emergencies or illnesses are caused by exposure to extreme heat and sun. Heat illnesses can be prevented by being careful in hot, humid weather.

Causes of Heat Emergencies

Heat injuries can occur due to high temperatures and humidity. You are more likely to feel the effects of heat sooner if:

The following make it harder for the body to regulate the temperature, and make a heat emergency more likely:

Symptoms of Heat Emergencies

Heat cramps are the first stage of heat illness. If these symptoms are not treated, it can lead to heat exhaustion and then heatstroke.

Heat stroke occurs when the body is no longer able to regulate the temperature, and it keeps rising. Heatstroke can cause shock, brain damage, organ failure, and even death.

The early symptoms of heat cramps include:

Later symptoms of heat exhaustion include the following:

The symptoms of heatstroke include (call 911 or the local emergency number right away):

First Aid for Heat Emergencies

If you think a person may have heat illness or emergency:

DO NOT Do the Following:

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call 911 if:

Prevention of Heat Emergencies

The first step in preventing heat illnesses is thinking ahead.

To help prevent heat illnesses:


home page