Heat & Cold
Exposure to heat can cause cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Painful muscle spasms, usually in the leg and abdomen, are the first signs of heat stress.
Heat exhaustion is more severe. Symptoms include cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; and headaches, nausea, dizziness, weakness and exhaustion. Heat stroke is a severe heat emergency characterized by hot, dry red skin; unconsciousness, rapid weak pulse and rapid shallow breathing. For any heat stress, get the victim to rest in a cool location, and give them a small amount of water or sports drink. Loosen tight clothing and apply cool wet cloth to their skin. DO NOT give salt tablets or salt water. If a heat stress victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness continue to cool their body and get them emergency medical care.
Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in body temperature that can happen quickly when someone gets wet or when it is very windy. Shivering numbness, a blank look, and unconsciousness are signs of hypothermia. Get the victim out of the cold and out of wet clothes. Dry the person and warm them gradually in dry clothing or blankets. If the victim has lost consciousness or has stopped breathing, get them emergency medical care.