Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke as summer temperatures increase

As summer temperatures continue to climb, make sure you are taking steps to stay cool.

You should also know the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

“With heat exhaustion, the things you’re going to notice are heavy sweating, you’re going to have cool, pale, clammy skin, a fast, weak pulse, maybe even nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headache, even fainting,” said Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane.

Crane says the symptoms of heatstroke are different, with body temperature reaching 103 degrees or higher.

“You’ve got hot, red, dry skin, a fast and strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, even confusion, and even loss of consciousness there,” Crane said.

For heat exhaustion, get the person to someplace cool, start getting them fluids, and use cold compresses to bring their temperature down. For heatstroke, the person requires immediate medical attention.

“Immediately call 911, move the person to a cooler location, cool them using cool cloths,” Crane said. “Don’t try to give them anything to drink at that point because what will happen is when the ambulance gets there they’re probably going to do an IV and they’re probably going to put some fluids in them that way.”

If you are working outside, try to work during the cooler hours earlier in the morning or later in the evening. Drink plenty of fluids, and take breaks in shaded areas.