Dealing with extreme heat

Heat stroke

This occurs when the body cannot control its temperature or when the body's temperature increases rapidly and sweating will not cool it down.

Symptoms: Extremely high temperature about 103 degrees Fahrenheit; red, hot dry skin with no sweating, rapid strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness.

Treatment: Cool victim as rapidly as you can -- in a tub of cool water, in a cool shower or wrapping him or her in a cool, wet sheet.

Sometimes a victim's muscles will begin to twitch uncontrollably as a result of heat stroke. If this happens, keep the victim from injuring himself, but do not place any object in the mouth and do not give fluids. If there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turning the victim on his or her side

Heat exhaustion

A person gets heat exhaustion when they lose a lot of water and salt in sweat. The people most inclined to get heat exhaustion are the elderly, people with high blood pressure, or people working in a hot environment..

Symptoms: Heavy sweating, paleness, cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, fainting, fast and shallow breathing.

Treatment: Seek medical attention if your symptoms last longer than 1 hour, or get worse. Drink cool, non-alcoholic drinks, take a cool shower or bath, stay in air conditioning, wear light clothing.

Heat cramps

Cramps usually happen to people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity, causing a drop in salt and moisture.

Symptoms: The spasms usually occur in the abdomen, arms or legs.

Treatment:  Stop all activity and sit quietly in cool place. Drink clear juice or a sports drink. Avoid strenuous activity for a few hours. Get medical help if the cramps last longer than 1 hour.

Heat rash

Heat rash is most common in young children and is caused by excessive sweating during hot and humid weather.

Symptoms: The rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. It is most common on the neck, upper chest, groin, under breasts an in the elbow creases.

Treatment: Provide the affected area with a cooler, less humid environment.  Use powder to keep the area dry. Do not use ointments or creams.

Sunburn

Treatment: Avoid more time in the sun, apply cold compresses or immerse sunburned area in cool water, apply moisturizing lotion, but do not use salve, butter or ointment, do not break the blisters.