Heat Exhaustion
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Surviving A Heat Wave – Without Air Conditioning
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr, MD, FACP, FACR
 In summer, heat waves can strike areas of the country where cooler climates
are the norm. In these areas, many homes do not have air conditioning, and
surviving in the extreme temperatures becomes a challenge for everyone. The
following steps can help you keep cool during a heat wave even if you have
an air-conditioned home.
- Use box fans and ceiling fans
to promote air circulation throughout
your home. Opening doors in the house and using box fans to push hot air
outdoors can function as an “exhaust” system and draw cooler evening air
into the house. In the cooler evenings, open all windows and promote as much
air circulation as possible. When the sun rises, close all doors and
windows, making sure to close curtains and blinds as well, to keep the
indoors cool for as long as possible. When the outside air cools to a lower
temperature than inside (usually in the evenings or at night), open up the
windows and turn on the fans again.
- Take advantage of the cooling power of water. Fill buckets or basins and soak your feet. Wet towels and
bandannas can have a cooling effect when worn on the shoulders or head. Take
cool showers or baths, and consider using a spray bottle filled with cold
water for refreshing spritzes
throughout the day.
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Introduction to heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment.
Heat exhaustion symptoms
Warning signs of heat exhaustion include:
The skin may be cool and moist. The victim's pulse rate
will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat
exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke,
which is a medical emergency. Seek medical attention and call 911 immediately if:
Otherwise, help the victim to cool off, and seek medical attention if
symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.
Heat exhaustion treatment
Cooling measures that may be effective include:
- cool, non-alcoholic beverages, as directed by your
physician
- rest
- cool shower, bath, or sponge bath
- an air-conditioned environment
- Lightweight clothing
Based on a CDC Prevention Guide for Emergencies and Disasters.
Last Editorial Review: 9/20/2006
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