Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention | Wilderness First Aid

Heat exhaustion can escalate quickly from a very mild case to a life-threatening situation. Treat heat exhaustion immediately and monitor very carefully.

Things You'll Need

• Oral Rehydration Salts
• Bandannas
• Evacuation Plan
• Wilderness First Aid Classes
• Water Filters
• Ice
• Cold Compresses
• Thermometers
• Evacuation Insurance
• Exercise Towels
• Ice Chests
• Sports Drinks
• Sports drinks

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Evaluate for heat exhaustion (see "How to Assess Heat Illness"). If you suspect heat exhaustion, treat with the following steps.

• 2

  Move the person out of direct sunlight, preferably into a cool, shaded area.

• 3

  Have the person lie flat and elevate his or her feet if the person feels dizzy or has fainted suddenly.

• 4

  Have the person rest quietly.

• 5

  Hydrate well with lots of water, a diluted sports drink or oral rehydration solution.

• 6

  Remove heat-retaining clothing.

• 7

  Wet the person down and fan him or her.

• 8

  Place a wet bandanna or thin strip of cotton cloth on the person's forehead, top of the head or back of the neck.

• 9

  Monitor body temperature frequently. If it rises to above 104 degrees, aggressively cool the person (see "How to Treat Heatstroke").