To treat heat exhaustion effectively, follow these steps:
- Move the person to a cool, shaded, or air-conditioned place to help lower their body temperature
- Have them lie down and raise their legs slightly to improve circulation
- Remove tight or heavy clothing to help cool the body
- Encourage sipping cool water, sports drinks, or electrolyte-containing fluids slowly to rehydrate; avoid caffeine and alcohol
- Cool the person’s skin by spraying or sponging with cool water and fanning them; cold packs wrapped in cloth can be applied under the armpits, on the neck, or groin
- If available and necessary, medical professionals may use more intensive cooling methods such as cold water immersion, cooling blankets, or ice packs
- Monitor for worsening symptoms or signs of heat stroke (such as confusion, loss of consciousness, or body temperature above 104°F), which require emergency medical attention
- Stay with the person until they recover, which usually happens within 30 minutes to an hour with proper treatment
If symptoms do not improve within an hour or worsen, seek prompt medical care to prevent progression to heat stroke
. These measures help restore hydration, reduce body temperature, and prevent complications from heat exhaustion.
