Without proper treatment, it can result in physical collapse. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include moist, clammy skin which appears ashen and gray, enlarged pupils, confusion, vomiting and weakness. Treat people by placing them in a cool environment, give them water or other cool fluids and sponge them down with water. Call for medical help immediately because heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. This is the most severe of the three illnesses.
Heat stroke demands immediate medical attention.
It is caused by the breakdown in the body's temperature regulating system, resulting in a rapid rise in the body's temperature. When the temperature rises too high, brain tissue can be permanently damaged. Symptoms include dry, hot red skin, loss of consciousness, convulsions, rapid pulse and breathing. When heat stroke occurs, remove unnecessary clothes, moisten the body with water and fan the patient to hasten evaporation and reduce the temperature. This will help protect the skin from sunburn and allow perspiration to evaporate.