What Do I Need to Know About Heat Stroke?

Heat stroke is caused by the body’s failure to regulate its core temperature.

Signs

1. Mental confusion, delirium, loss of consciousness, convulsions or coma
2. A body temperature of 106 degrees or higher
3. Hot, dry skin that may be red, mottled or bluish

Treatment

Medical help should be summoned. Promptly administering first aid can prevent injury to the brain and other vital organs. While waiting for help, move the victim to a cool area, soak clothing in cool water, and fan vigorously.

Heat exhaustion is caused by fluid loss due to perspiring and failing to drink enough fluid, failure to take in enough salt, or both

Signs

1. Extreme weakness or fatigue, giddiness, nausea or headache
2. Clammy, moist skin with pale or flushed complexion
3. Normal or slightly elevated body temperature

Treatment

Victim should rest in a cool place and drink salted liquids

It is important to remember that many of the trails at the Reserve are steep and long, and fluid loss can begin almost immediately. There are drinking fountains at the staging area and the Ridgetop Picnic Area. If you begin to feel overheated, STOP, REST, AND DRINK FLUIDS. Do not continue until you feel cooler.