What are symptoms of heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is a condition that arises from prolonged exposure to high temperatures, often in combination with dehydration, which can lead to significant physical distress. One of the hallmark symptoms of heat exhaustion is the presence of cool, pale, and sweaty skin. This occurs because the body is attempting to cool itself down by sweating; however, the excessive heat can overwhelm the body's mechanisms, leading to an inability to maintain normal body temperature.

The cool and pale skin in heat exhaustion indicates that the body is diverting blood to the core to protect vital organs, which can result in diminished blood flow to the extremities. This symptom is contrasted with other heat-related conditions, such as heat stroke, where the skin often becomes hot and dry due to the body's inability to sweat effectively as a result of extreme heat stress.

Understanding these symptoms is crucial for early recognition and intervention during hot weather training or operations to prevent escalation to more severe conditions.