It’s July 1, 2025, and summer is officially here. In West Michigan, we’ve already endured two major heat waves, with temperatures soaring into the low to mid-90s.
During my June 20–22 Basic 101 course, I stressed an important core principle: hydrate, stay shaded, and cool down often. I even hung a tarp over our meeting area to protect students from the intense sun. Why? Because I was actively working to prevent Heat Exhaustion—and more critically, Heat Stroke.
But do you know the difference between the two? And more importantly, can you recognize the signs before it’s too late?
Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke: What You Need to Know
Both conditions are dangerous responses to extreme heat, but they differ significantly in severity and treatment. Heat Exhaustion is the body’s warning sign that it’s overheating. It typically begins with dehydration from heavy sweating, salt loss, and prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
If not treated, it can quickly progress to Heat Stroke—a medical emergency in which the body’s internal temperature control fails, potentially leading to brain damage, organ failure, or even death.
At Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute, we teach our students how to monitor and regulate core body temperature, because failing to do so in extreme conditions can have serious consequences.
Key Differences Between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke:
Category: Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke
Severity: Moderate; can be treated on-site vs Critical; requires emergency medical attention
Sweating: Heavy, continuous vs None; skin becomes hot and dry
Body Temp: Below 104°F vs Above 104°F
Mental State Fatigued but conscious vs Confused, disoriented, may lose consciousness
Pulse Rapid and weak vs Rapid and strong
Symptoms to Watch For:
Heat Exhaustion
• Excessive sweating
• Thirst and dehydration
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea and possible vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Cool, clammy, pale skin
• Weakness and fatigue
• Headache
• Body temperature at or below 103°F
• Rapid, weak pulse
Heat Stroke
• Severe or pounding headache
• Confusion or altered mental status
• Absence of sweating
• Red, hot, dry skin
• Body temperature above 104°F
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Short, shallow breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Possible seizures in extreme cases
Treatment Protocols:
Treating Heat Exhaustion
• Move to a shaded or air-conditioned area
• Remove excess clothing
• Rehydrate with water or electrolyte-rich fluids like Gatorade
• Apply cool, damp cloths to the neck, head, and underarms
• Take a cool shower if possible
Treating Heat Stroke
• Call 911 immediately
• Relocate the person to a cooler area
• Remove clothing to aid cooling
• Apply cold compresses or ice packs to the neck, groin, and armpits
• Lay the person down and monitor closely for changes in consciousness
Summer in Michigan is no joke. Stay prepared, stay hydrated, and don’t ignore the signs of heat-related illness. When things cool off, come visit me in the wild.
