Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

9 Other Emergencies

Anyone who exercises or works strenuously or wears heavy clothing in warm, humid, and poorly ventilated environments is more susceptible to heat exhaustion.

Because heat exhaustion is caused by a loss of fluid volume, the patient shows signs and symptoms of both shock and dehydration. First aid focuses on cooling, rehydrating, and providing care for shock. Heat exhaustion First Aid • Place the patient at rest in a cool or shaded area. • Remove excessive clothing and loosen constrictive clothing. • If there is no altered level of consciousness, first provide fluids with electrolytes and carbohydrates, then water. • Get medical help right away if the patient has an altered level of consciousness, is unconscious or vomits, and cannot keep fluids down.

Sign and Symptoms Heat exhaustion • Dizziness, faintness or weakness. • Nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal cramps. • Cold, sweaty, clammy skin, grayish pallor. • Dry mouth and tongue. Thirst. • Pulse may be rapid and weak. • Body temperature may be slightly warmer than normal. Rare occurrence of high temperature.

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