HYPERTHERMIA (Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke)
This is caused when your body generates heat faster than it can loose it and results in an increase in the body’s core temperature to a level at which cerebral brain functions are impaired (above 100C).

Prevention:

• Stay well hydrated
• Wear a hat
• Do not over exert
• Swim to stay cool

A. Heat Cramps
Signs and Symptoms:

• painful muscle spasms, usually of the legs and abdominal muscles, that occur with vigorous exercise
• excessive sweating

B. Heat Exhaustion
A mild form of shock resulting from loss of water and electrolyte loss secondary to sweating

Signs and Symptoms:

• increase in heart rate and breathing rate
• skin is pale cool and clammy
• fatigue, nausea, vomiting
• temperature below 40C

C. Heat Stroke
An inability to cool the body due to fluid loss or extreme heat challenge, can die within 30 minutes. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS CONDITION (ie it's time to EVAC)

Signs and Symptoms:

• severe change in level of concussions
• seizures
• hallucinations
• temperature above 40C
• ataxia (can't walk)
• hot red skin
• no more sweating

• Stop whatever you are doing. Physical exertion creates extra body heat
• Cool patient down. Move to a cooler area eg cool basement, air conditioned mall or movie theatre. Take a cool bath or shower. Go swimming. Cool hot areas like head and neck (wet towels and bandanas). Cover with a wet cloth and fan the cloth.
• Replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Drink lots of water. By the time you feel thirsty the body's water content is already dangerously low. Avoid alcohol since it makes the body less resistant to heat and can place extra strain on the heart.
• Rest