51 SUNBURN HEAT EXHAUSTI ON

Caused by excessive sweating, heat exhaustion

occurs when vital salt and water are lost through
the skin. People who are unused to hot and humid
conditions, and those suffering from any illness that
causes diarrhea and vomiting, are often the most
susceptible. The aims of first-aid treatment are to
cool the victim and to replace lost salts and water.
Heat exhaustion can develop into heatstroke.
TREATING HEAT EXHAUSTION
Heat exhaustion
1
Make victim
comfortable

Move the victim to a cool place.

Lay him down and support his

legs in a raised position to improve
the blood flow to vital organs.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Feeling dizzy or confused

Headache and nausea

Sweating, with pallid,

clammy skin

Arm, leg, or abdominal

cramps

Fast but weak pulse

4
Monitor victim

Monitor the victims breathing

(p.68 for an adult, p.71 for a child
or baby), pulse (p.68 for an adult,
p.70 for a child or baby), and level
of consciousness (p.12) every
10 minutes until help arrives.
Summon help

If the victim becomes weaker

or confused, place him in the
recovery position (p.14 for adults
and children, p.15 for babies).

Dial 911 or call EMS.

3
2
Replace lost fluids

Give him cool, salty drinks.

Ideally, offer isotonic drinks or
a weak salt and sugar solution
(1 teaspoon of salt and 4 teaspoons
of sugar to 1 liter of water).

Support his head while he is

drinking, if necessary.

If he recovers, ask
him to see a doctor.
Important

If the victim loses consciousness, open his

airway, check his breathing, and be prepared
to begin resuscitation (pp.1220).
!
Raise
his legs
Give him
a cool
isotonic
drink