Take Steps to Prevent Heat Illness

On average, there are more than 700 heat-related deaths in the U.S. each year, and more than 92 hundred people are hospitalized. Emily Dalton, physician assistant at Moberly Rural Health Clinic, says people need to be aware of heat exhaustion.

Untreated heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can cause permanent disability or death. You should also recognize symptoms on other people.

The first step to cooling someone off is to get them out of direct sunlight.

After the victim is somewhere cooler, then they should focus on getting rehydrated, especially with water or sports drinks. Ice packs on the neck, forehead, armpits and groin can also promote cooling.