The patient may also be nauseated with vomiting. Heat exhaustion is a less severe state of heat overload where the body's thermoregulatory system is overwhelmed, but still functioning. The patient may have temperature up to 104 F, headache, and fatigue. The patient is typically tachycardic and tachypneic. They may also have nausea and vomiting and are often dehydrated.
Prehospital treatment includes basic life support therapy.
Additionally, the patient should be moved from the hot environment. Clothing should be removed. A water mist may be sprayed onto the patient or onto a sheet covering the patient. If available, ice packs may be placed in the axilla, groin, and neck where large blood vessels pass close to the surface. An IV should be established and an LR fluid bolus initiated for any patient who is dehydrated.