Since most of the country has had record-breaking heat this summer, it is important to note the primary signs and symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Since most of the country has had record-breaking heat this summer, OSHA emphasizes that it is important to note the primary signs and symptoms of heat stroke: confusion, irrational behavior, loss of coordination, loss of consciousness or convulsions - all associated with abnormally high body temperatures. Although heat stroke is usually associated with a lack of sweating and hot, dry skin, a significant percentage of individuals with heat stroke have moist skin and appear to be sweating, particularly in humid conditions. There is a widely held misperception that someone who is sweating cannot be having heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion, if untreated, may quickly progress to life-threatening heat stroke. Body temperature can rise to 106° or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are headache, nausea, vertigo, weakness, thirst and giddiness.