The three types of heat illnesses are heat cramps (often caused by
dehydration), heat exhaustion (also caused by dehydration), and
heat stroke (shock, a medical emergency). Remove the victim from
the heat, take off their clothing, and have them lie down. Apply
cool compresses, elevate the feet, give the victim fluids if they
are able to drink, and use a fan to blow cool air. Get immediate
medical help for heat stroke.
Review Date: 12/20/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
