However, the amount of water the body requires depends on the amount of sweating that occurs, and that varies from one individual to another. If cramps persist, dissolve a quarter teaspoon of table salt in one quart of water, and drink it slowly. Excessive salt depletion and dehydration can cause heat exhaustion. Symptoms are profuse sweating, headache, a tingling sensation in the extremities, weakness, loss of appetite, dizziness, nausea, cramps, chills and rapid breathing. Pour water on the victim and fan to cool.
Heat stroke is the most dangerous of the heat-related illnesses and can be fatal.
Its symptoms include mental changes, psychotic behavior and confusion, disorientation or coma, throbbing headache, flushed dry skin, nausea, and elevated body temperature. The difference between heat stroke and head exhaustion is the changes in mental status. Treatment must be immediate, and prompt transport to medical care is essential. Move the casualty to a shaded area and cool with ice packs, cool water, or whatever is available. Ensure the cooling process continues during transport to a medical treatment facility.