BORDER PATROL AGENT SITUATIONAL AWARENESS Heat Cramps – Heat Exhaustion – Heat Stroke

Know the signs of heat-related illness and the ways to respond to it!

HEAT CRAMPS

SIGNS: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs.

ACTIONS: Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

SIGNS: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, or fainting.

ACTIONS: Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

HEAT STROKE

SIGNS: Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees) taken orally; red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion; or unconsciousness.

ACTIONS: Call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.