From the Guidelines
Heat exhaustion should be treated immediately by moving the person to a cooler environment, removing excess clothing, and cooling the body. According to the most recent guidelines, for people with exertional hyperthermia or heatstroke, first aid providers should move the individual from the hot environment, remove excess clothing, limit exertion, and provide cool liquids if the person is able to swallow 1. The treatment involves having the person lie down and elevate their legs slightly. Provide cool water or sports drinks containing electrolytes to rehydrate, sipping slowly rather than gulping. Apply cool, wet cloths to the skin, especially to the face, neck, armpits, and groin, or use a fan to increase cooling. If available, a cool shower or bath can help reduce body temperature.
Some key points to consider in the treatment of heat exhaustion include:
- Moving the person to a cooler environment to reduce further heat exposure
- Removing excess clothing to help the body cool down
- Providing cool liquids to rehydrate the body
- Applying cool, wet cloths to the skin to increase cooling
- Using a fan to increase cooling if available
- Considering a cool shower or bath if available
It's also important to note that if symptoms worsen, persist beyond an hour, or include confusion, loss of consciousness, or a temperature above 104°F (40°C), seek emergency medical attention as this may indicate heat stroke, which is life-threatening 1. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool itself properly, often due to dehydration and electrolyte loss from excessive sweating during hot weather or intense physical activity. Active cooling measures are recommended over passive cooling methods, with cold- or ice-water immersion achieving the fastest cooling rate 1.
From the Research
Treatment for Heat Exhaustion
The treatment for heat exhaustion involves immediate reduction of heat gain and measures to facilitate heat loss. Some key steps include:
- Discontinuing exercise and reducing radiative heat source exposure 2
- Encouraging the individual to drink cool fluids 2
- Removing or loosening clothing to facilitate heat loss 2
- Using more aggressive cooling strategies such as cold showers or application of wet towels in extreme situations 2
- Administering intravenous fluids to patients with heat exhaustion 3
Cooling Measures
Cooling measures are crucial in treating heat exhaustion and heat-related illnesses. Some effective cooling measures include:
- Ice water immersion, if practical 4
- Lukewarm-water spray and cool moving air 3
- Cooling the body down as quickly as possible to reduce core body temperature to <40 °C within 30 minutes 5
Prevention
Prevention is also an essential aspect of managing heat exhaustion and heat-related illnesses. Some preventive measures include:
- Increasing public awareness of the risks associated with exposure to high temperatures and prolonged exercise 2
- Gradual acclimation to the heat, increased fluid intake, vapor-permeable clothing, and frequent rest periods for laborers, athletes, and military personnel 3
- Maintaining hydration and considering alternate living arrangements for frail and elderly persons in hot weather 3