Heat disorders are illnesses caused by prolonged exposure to heat, lack of fluids, or the body’s inability to cool itself. These include:

• Heat cramps

• Heat exhaustion

• Heat stroke (a life-threatening emergency)
   

Prevention involves staying hydrated, resting, warming up before exercise, and gradually adjusting to hot environments.

 

Causes

• Prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

• Intense physical activity without proper warm-up.

• Dehydration (insufficient water intake).

• Failure of the body’s temperature-regulating systems.
   

Signs & Symptoms

Heat Cramps

• Overuse of certain muscle groups.

• Lack of proper warm-up.

• Muscle pain or cramps (legs, arms, or abdomen).

• Caused by fluid and salt loss during exercise.
   

Heat Exhaustion

• Severe fatigue due to fluid loss from heavy sweating.

• Muscle cramps (legs, arms, or abdomen).

• Weakness, dizziness, or headache.

• Pale, clammy skin.

• Rapid breathing and pulse.

• Nausea or vomiting.
   

Heat Stroke (Medical emergency)

• Body temperature may exceed 40°C.

• Caused by prolonged heat exposure and dehydration.

• Sweating stops and the body fails to cool down.

• Throbbing headache, dizziness, or discomfort.

• Restlessness and confusion.

• Hot, red, dry skin.

• Rapid but weak pulse.

• May lose consciousness.

 

Actions to Take

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6-point cooling

​2 sides of the

• Neck

• Armpits

• Groin area​

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Note

Douse casualty with cool water.

• Stop cooling if the person begins to shiver.

• Do not give anything by mouth.

• Keep monitoring and recording vital signs until help arrives.