Heat Stroke vs Heat Exhaustion — Know the Difference

Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, cool and pale clammy skin, fast weak pulse, nausea. Move the person to shade, give water, and cool them gradually with wet cloths. They should improve within 30 minutes. Heat stroke: hot, dry, red skin, no sweating, confusion or slurred speech, high body temperature (above 103°F/39.5°C), possible loss of consciousness. This is a medical emergency — call emergency services immediately and cool the person aggressively with water, ice packs to the neck, armpits, and groin. The key difference: if they've stopped sweating and are confused, it's heat stroke and their life is in danger.