Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are dangerous health conditions that result when the body can not cool itself down through sweating.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, dizziness, pale moist skin, confusion, excessive sweating, and weakness. If not treated, heat exhaustion can lead to symptoms of heat stroke including vomiting, high fever, loss of consciousness and hot dry skin. If heat stroke is not treated, it can lead to death.

What to Do if you Recognize the Symptoms?

1. Act quickly, move the person to a cool shaded area to rest. Call for medical attention.
2. If symptoms include dizziness or light-headedness lay the person down and elevate the feet 6-8 inches.
3. Cool the person by loosening or removing clothing, fanning, and applying wet cloth to skin.
4. Have the person drink a cup of cold water every 15 minutes.

Tips to Protect Yourself and Co-workers:

• Learn the signs and symptoms of heat related illness and how to respond.
• Perform heavy work early in the day.
• During heavy work use the buddy system, employee looking out for another.
• Drink plenty of fluids, about a cup every 20 minutes.
• Take frequent short breaks in the shade to allow your body to cool down.