From the Guidelines
Heat exhaustion should be treated immediately by moving the person to a cooler environment, removing excess clothing, and cooling the body, as recommended by the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1. The treatment for heat exhaustion involves several key steps to help the body recover from the heat stress.
- Move the person to a cooler environment to reduce further heat exposure.
- Remove excess clothing to help the body cool down more efficiently.
- Cool the body using cool, wet cloths or a fan to increase cooling, especially on areas like the face, neck, armpits, and groin.
- Provide cool water or sports drinks containing electrolytes to rehydrate, sipping slowly rather than gulping, as stated in the guidelines for fluid replacement during exercise 1.
- Have the person lie down and elevate their legs slightly to improve blood flow. If available, a cool shower or bath can also help reduce body temperature. It is crucial to monitor the person's symptoms and seek emergency medical attention if they worsen, persist beyond an hour, or include confusion, loss of consciousness, or inability to drink fluids, as this may indicate progression to heat stroke, which is life-threatening 1. Prevention of heat exhaustion includes staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day, and acclimatizing gradually to hot weather, as suggested by exercise standards for testing and training 1. Overall, prompt and appropriate treatment of heat exhaustion can significantly improve outcomes in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.
From the Research
Treatment for Heat Exhaustion
The treatment for heat exhaustion involves several steps to reduce the body's heat gain and promote heat loss. Some of the key measures include:
- Discontinuing exercise and reducing exposure to radiative heat sources 2
- Encouraging the individual to drink cool fluids to help with hydration 2
- Removing or loosening clothing to facilitate heat loss 2
- Using more aggressive cooling strategies such as cold showers or applying wet towels in more extreme situations 2
- Monitoring the patient in a cool, shady environment and ensuring adequate hydration 3
Cooling Techniques
Various cooling techniques can be used to treat heat exhaustion and heatstroke, including:
- Water immersion, which has been shown to be effective in reducing core body temperature quickly 4
- Cold intravenous saline, which may be used in some cases, although its effectiveness is still being studied 5
- Evaporation or full-body ice-water immersion, which can be used to rapidly cool the body 3, 4
Prevention
Prevention is also an important aspect of managing heat-related illnesses. This can include:
- Increasing public awareness of the risks associated with exposure to high temperatures and prolonged exercise 2
- Identifying vulnerable individuals and providing them with information about dangerous heat waves 3
- Using heat shelters and other preventive measures to reduce the risk of heat-related illness 3