Summertime is outdoor time, a great time to walk, bicycle, play tennis, run or work outdoors. As long, that is, as you don’t overdo it. A bit too much exercise under the hard-beating sun and too little shade and rehydration, and you might find that one of your companions doesn’t look so good. They’re dizzy, a bit faint, and complaining of nausea and/or headache. What should you do? Is it adequate to sit them down in the shade and give them a cool drink, or do you need to call for help?

Is It Heat Exhaustion or Heatstroke?

Heat exhaustion can often be dealt with by laypersons on the scene, but heatstroke is a medical emergency and requires an immediate call to 911. According to the Center for Disease Control, here are some of the differences, as well as the treatment:

• Disorientation: A person with heat exhaustion may be dizzy, but confusion is a sign of heatstroke.

• Skin: In heat exhaustion, the skin is cold, pale and clammy. In heatstroke, it’s hot and red and may be dry or damp.

• Pulse: Heat exhaustion, fast and weak. Heatstroke, fast and strong.

• Temperature: If it’s higher than 103, it’s heatstroke.

• Nausea, headache and passing out can happen in both heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

For Heatstroke:

• Call 911.

• Get the victim somewhere cooler.

• Lower the body temperature. Use cool damp cloths or a bath if it's available.

• Do not allow the person to drink.

For Heat Exhaustion:

• Get them to a cool place.

• Loosen their clothes.

• As with heat exhaustion, use cool damp cloths or a bath to lower temperature.

• Give sips of water.

• If there is vomiting, the symptoms get worse or they last more than an hour, get medical help right away.

It may be hot outside, but it’s always comfortable at River Oaks, Oceanside, CA apartments in the tranquil hills of San Diego County. River Oaks is pet-friendly and offers scenic walks with magnificent canyon views. Keep your cool in their two swimming pools or at the California beach just minutes away. Call 877 635-6188 to schedule a tour and find the one- or two-bedroom apartment that’s perfect for you.