Be careful! Syptoms and Responses for Heat-Related Illness

From our next door neighbor state, this is an excellently organized description of what the dangers are from heat, and what to do about heat-related illness:
SYMPTOMS OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS AND WHAT TO DO

• Heat Cramps - cramps or muscle spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs.
Solution: Stop activity. Cool down, drink clear juice or sports drink.
• Heat Exhaustion - heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, fainting.
Solution: Cool down, seek medical attention.
• Heat Stroke - extremely high body temperature, red, hot, dry skin, rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness.
Solution: Call 911 and cool the victim with shower or hose until help arrives.

HEAT EXHAUSTION	HEAT STROKE
I. Cause. Depletion of body fluids and electrolytes due to exposure to intense heat or the inability to acclimatize to heat, resulting in prolonged or severe diaphoresis.May progress to heat stroke.	I. Cause. Failure of temperature- regulating mechanism of the body due to prolonged exposure to high temperature.
II. Onset. May develop slowly after exposure to heat for several days and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids and electrolytes.	II. Onset. May develop quickly (within minutes).
III. Similarities Headache Vomiting Dizziness Muscle cramps (arms, legs, abdomen) Fatigue Rapid pulse (tachycardia) Nausea	III. Similarities Headache Vomiting Dizziness Muscle cramps (arms, legs, abdomen) Fatigue Rapid pulse (tachycardia) Nausea
IV. Differences Profuse perspiration Cool, moist skin Rapid respiration Body temperature may be normal, or slightly below normal, or as high as 102.2 degrees F. Possible giddiness	IV. Differences Absence of perspiration Hot, dry, red or mottled skin Slow deep respiration Extremely high temperatures (104 degrees F/40 degrees C or above, rectally) Mental confusion, disorientation, delirium, irrational behavior, feeling of euphoria or impending doom, diminished level of consciousness, loss of consciousness may be abrupt Confusion may occur early or late Signs of shock
V. How to Intervene. Cool fluids, loosen tight clothing, recumbent position, cool shaded environment, elevate legs, transport to medical facility for medical follow up.	V. How to Intervene. Call for transport to medical facility immediately; cool water, sponging, and fluids by mouth if still alert; reduce body temperature to 102 degrees F as rapidly as possible. Transport to medical center for temperature stabilization and prevention/ treatment of complications.