Climate Talk

Nurse's quick guide: heat exhaustion vs heat stroke (save this for next summer)

Summer is over in most of the north but this is useful all year if you travel. Simple version:

Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, tired, dizzy, headache, nausea, fast weak pulse, skin cool and clammy. Move to shade or cool room, loosen clothes, sip water or ORS, cool cloths. Should improve within 30 minutes.

Heat stroke: confusion, slurred speech, fainting or seizure, very high body temperature, skin may be hot and dry (but not always, people can still sweat). This is an emergency. Call ambulance, start cooling immediately with water and fanning, ice packs at neck, armpits and groin if available. Don't give drinks if the person is confused.

Highest risk: elderly, babies, people on some heart or psychiatric medicines, outdoor workers, and anyone who is drunk. Check on old neighbours during heatwaves. I am not joking, this saves lives.