Staying safe in the heat: Signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke

The extreme heat hitting Maine this week can be dangerous if you're working outside or don't have air conditioning, leading to heat exhaustion or even worse -- heat stroke.

• Also read: Heat Advisory: Several days of extreme heat, humidity expected in Maine

Warning signs of heat exhaustion include feeling faint or dizzy, and you may experience excessive sweating.

Your skin will be cool, pale, and clammy. Your pulse will be rapid, but weak. And you may experience some muscle cramping.

You'll need to work to cool the victim down quickly with air conditioning, offer sips of water, and cool wet wash cloths.

If it worsens to a heat stroke, it's a step up with a worse headache, but no sweating as the body fails to cool itself down.

• Also read: With temps soaring into the 90s, cooling centers open in Maine

The skin will be hot and dry, and the pulse will be stronger. The victim may even lose consciousness.

If you experience these symptoms, it's an emergency. Call 911.

While waiting for the ambulance, get the victim to air conditioning. Fans aren't going to be effective if the heat index is in the upper 90s or higher.

Experts at the CDC say to not give the victim water at this point because they could be prone to vomiting.

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