Heat Stroke

ACT NOWHot, red, dry skin, confused or passing out in the heat. Every minute counts.

Tell them apart
- Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weak, cold and clammy, nausea, cramps.
- Heat stroke — emergency: 104°F or higher, hot red dry skin (sweating may stop), strong fast pulse, confused, slurring, passing out.
- Exhaustion can become stroke quickly.
Heat stroke: cool them now
- Start cooling immediately. Call 911 if there's service — don't wait for help to arrive.
- No signal at all? Dial 911 anyway — iPhone 14 and newer offer to text 911 by satellite. Get outside, clear view of the sky.
- Fastest: cold or ice water up to the neck — a tub, stock tank or kiddie pool.
- Can't immerse? Ice packs on the neck, armpits and groin.
Keep cooling
- Spray or sponge with cool water while fanning.
- Take off extra clothing.
- Wet towels on the skin — swap them as they warm.
- Nothing to drink if they're confused or unconscious.
Why
Every minute of delay raises the risk of organ and brain damage.
Heat exhaustion
- Into the shade or A/C. Loosen clothing.
- Cool wet cloths or a cool bath. Sip water.
- Vomiting, getting worse, or lasting over an hour? Get medical help — 911 if there's service.
- Rest the rest of the day.

Sources: CDC Heat-Related Illness Guidelines · National Weather Service Heat Safety

General information to help in an emergency — not a substitute for training or professional care.

Tell them apart