Heat-related illnesses can turn deadly if ignored.
Lt. Shawn Miller with Prince George's County fire said that they suit up for heat-related calls a lot during the summer.
"Everyone wants to be outside and they overwork themselves," said Miller.
This Saturday there was a call for a child who was acting funny being outside all day.
"We brought him to the hospital and his core temperature was 104," explained Miller.
The child likely suffered from heat stroke.
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Basically, when you get overheated, that's heat exhaustion. That can lead to heat stroke if you don't do anything about it.
"Heat stroke is when you completely run out of the salt and electrolytes in your body," said Miller. "Your body can function anymore and just starts to shut down."
Here is a link to a list of symptoms.
Heat stroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion. It can cause shock, organ failure, or brain damage.
A heat stroke is considered a medical emergency.
Heat exhaustion is feeling faint or dizziness, heavy sweating, skin feels cold and clammy.
That's easy to fix. Just get cool and hydrate.
For heat stroke, you could have a headache, dry skin, and you could throw-up or pas out.
Better to be safe than sorry. Do not be afraid to call 911.
More than 9,000 Americans have died from heat-related causes since 1979.
People are at the greatest risk age four and under and over 65.
"If you're outside on a day like today you be drinking at least 4 ounces of water every hour. Try and be in the shade," suggested Miller. "Just try and cool your self down."
