Dangerously hot temperatures is prevalent during the summer months and so it’s a good time to review the symptoms of two main heat-related illnesses: heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Greene County Public Health Director Becky Wolf says the signs of someone suffering from heat exhaustion includes fainting or dizziness, excessive sweating, cool, pale and clammy skin; nausea and vomiting, a rapid and weak pulse and muscle cramps. She talks about what to do if you see these symptoms.

“You want to get them under a tree or getting them into air conditioning, put ice packs behind their neck, in their armpits, in their groin area to try and cool them down. If they’re conscious you can also consider putting them in a cool shower or a cool bathtub. And then just really try to get them to drink as much liquids as possible, and when I say liquids, I’m talking about water.” 

Wolf points out the more extreme condition that heat exhaustion can lead to is heat stroke. The symptoms of heat stroke include throbbing headaches, hot and dry skin, body temperature over 103 degrees and they may become unconscious. Wolf adds if someone is showing these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.