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How To Recognize, Treat and Avoid Heat Exhaustion

From Judy Hedding,
Your Guide to Phoenix.
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Heat exhaustion can happen to anyone in the heat of the summer. Here's how to recognize it and how to handle it.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: A few minutes

Here's How:

  1. If a person has heat exhaustion, he/she may be weak or tired.
  2. If a person has heat exhaustion, he/she could collapse.
  3. If a person has heat exhaustion, he/she could appear pale.
  4. If a person has heat exhaustion, he/she could have clammy skin.
  5. If a person has heat exhaustion, he/she could be sweating profusely.
  6. If a person has heat exhaustion, his/her temperature could be normal or high.
  7. Get the person out of the sun.
  8. Have the person lie down.
  9. Loosen or remove clothing.
  10. Fan the person or apply cool water to the person's body to lower the temperature.
  11. Give the person electrolyte beverages, like Gatorade, or small sips of salt water.
  12. Do not give any drugs, alcohol or caffeine to the person.
  13. Watch the person closely. If the person's condition does not improve in a little while, call a doctor.
  14. To prevent heat exhaustion, wear light, loose fitting clothes and a hat in the sun.
  15. To prevent heat exhaustion, drink a lot of water (even if you don't feel thirsty).

Tips:

  1. Understand the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The first aid is different for each.
  2. Do not ever leave a child or a pet in your car in the spring or summer in Arizona. Not even for a minute. Not even with the windows open.
  3. Every year children and pets die in Arizona in cars. Please take tip #2 above seriously.
  4. Sign up for the About Phoenix Desert Heat E-Course, and learn more about coping with heat in the desert. It's free!
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