Heat Exhaustion
Patients are sweaty, weak, nauseated, and may have normal mental status. Skin is cool and moist with a normal or mildly elevated temperature. Move them to a cool area, remove excess clothing, and give oral fluids if alert.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency with altered mental status and a core temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Skin may be hot and either dry or sweaty. Brain and organ damage proceed quickly without cooling.
Rapid Cooling
Remove clothing and cool aggressively with cold water immersion or wet sheets and fans. Apply ice packs to the neck, axillae, and groin. Monitor temperature and stop active cooling when reaching about 101 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid overcooling.