Heat Stroke
- Avoid prolonged exposure to outdoor extreme
temperatures.
- Be sure to rehydrate frequently with water or a
sports drink. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they
dry the body quickly.
- If exercising, take frequent breaks to cool down
and avoid sun exposure from about
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Heat exhaustion is the first level when you become
symptomatic but your body can still cool itself.
Heat stroke is full decompensation and the
body can no longer cool itself and serious injury
can occur.
- Check on elderly family members and
neighbors frequently. The heat can easily cause
critical illness or death for the elderly, immune-compromised
or very young people.
- Don’t forget to check on your pets. Outdoor
animals will need shade and extra water.
Concrete/asphalt will retain more heat for longer
periods. Be sure to check their paws for burns if
you walk your dogs on the street or at the park.
This information provided by the experts of the Emergency Department at Midland Memorial Hospital.