How Do I Treat Heat Exhaustion?

Question:

What are the best options for treating heat exhaustion in a remote area (no cell phone service) with no one else around? Is there something I can add to my first aid kit that would help?

Submitted by – Eileen, CA

Answer:

Almost everyone will recover from heat exhaustion with rest (in the coolest, shadiest spot available) and drinking water.

The water will be a bit more beneficial if you add a teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt. Or you could down a sports drink.

A good addition to your first aid kit would be a small packet of rehydration powder that you add to water. Or you could add a packet of sugar and packet of salt—not as well-balanced in terms of electrolytes, but much cheaper. When you feel fine again, you have recovered from heat exhaustion. —Buck Tilton