Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion

Dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and death. To prevent dehydration and heat exhaus­tion, you should drink plenty of water, even when you are not pulling handcarts. You should drink to prevent thirst, not to quench it.

Symptoms of dehydration and heat exhaustion include:

• A pale face and cool, clammy skin.

• Shallow breathing.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Dilated pupils, headache, and dizziness.

• Weak pulse.

• Heavy perspiration.

• Unconsciousness.

 

To treat dehydration or heat exhaustion:

• Place the person on his or her back and raise the feet.

• Provide shade.

• Loosen or remove some of the person’s clothing; remove shoes and socks.

• Give the person sips of water.

• Fan the person and place cool, wet cloths on the back of the neck, face, armpits, and lower legs.

 

Heatstroke

Symptoms of heatstroke include:

• A red, very hot face. (The skin may be dry, but if the person has been exercising hard, he or she may be sweating.)

• Very small pupils.

• Slow, noisy breathing.

• Strong, rapid pulse.

• Possible unconsciousness.

 

To treat heatstroke:

• Place the person on his or her back with the head and shoulders raised.

• Get the person into a cool medical vehicle or other shelter.

• Undress the person to his or her underclothing.

• Cover the person—especially the head—with dripping wet towels, shirts, or cloths.

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