Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke: Staying Safe in a Texas Summer

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), signs of heat exhaustion include:

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness or tiredness
• Cool, pale, clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness, nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Fainting

The NWS recommends moving the person to a cooler place, preferably a well air-conditioned room. Loosen their clothing, apply cool, wet cloths or have them sit in a cool bath, and offer sips of water.

Get medical help right away if the person is vomiting, their symptoms get worse, or their symptoms last longer than one hour. If they become confused, pass out or seem to be getting rapidly worse, treat it as an emergency and call 911.

The NWS calls heat stroke “a severe medical emergency.” Its listed signs include:

• Throbbing headache
• Confusion or slurred speech
• Nausea and dizziness
• Body temperature above 103°F
• Hot, red, dry or damp skin
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Fainting or loss of consciousness

The CDC’s workplace heat guidance also lists seizures among the symptoms of heat stroke. Note the key differences from heat exhaustion: confusion or other changes in mental state, a very high body temperature and a strong, rapid pulse.

Anyone can get sick from heat, but the CDC identifies several groups who may need extra protection on hot days:

• Infants and young children
• People 65 years of age or older
• Pregnant women
• People with heart disease
• People, especially children, with asthma
• People working or exercising outside in the heat

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) adds people with chronic diseases and people who do not have access to air conditioning. If you or a loved one has a chronic health condition, the CDC recommends working with your doctor to create a Heat Action Plan.

Texas DSHS advises people to “stay cool, drink plenty of fluids, wear cool clothing and limit strenuous outdoor activities.” Practical steps from DSHS include:

• Find air conditioning. Spend time in air-conditioned places such as your home, malls, libraries or community centers. If you do not have air conditioning, use windows, shades and fans.
• Drink before you are thirsty. DSHS recommends drinking liquids 30 minutes before going outside and continuing even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Skip certain drinks. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks.
• Pace yourself. Limit strenuous outdoor activity, especially during the hottest part of the day.
• Check on others. For people who are vulnerable to heat, DSHS suggests visiting at least twice a day and watching for signs of heat illness.

One more note from the NWS: a fan may help cool someone down only when heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. In more extreme heat, an air-conditioned space is the safer choice.

DSHS warns that “vehicles can heat up to deadly temperatures within minutes” and that “cracking the windows does little to keep temperatures down.” Never leave children, older adults, people with disabilities or pets alone in a parked vehicle, even for a quick errand. Before you lock up, check the back seat.

Heat illness is largely preventable when you plan ahead, stay hydrated and keep an eye on the people around you. This information is general education, not personal medical advice. Talk with your health care provider about how heat may affect your own health and medications.

Republic EMS, Ltd. is a licensed Texas EMS provider serving Greater Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Beaumont and surrounding areas. For scheduled non-emergency transports, such as dialysis or doctor appointments, our 24/7 dispatch can be reached at 888-305-9967.