What is the main difference between heat stoke and heat exhaustion?

Answer 1

Heat exhaustion is less serious than heat stroke. A patient's body was trying to cool itself by sweating but it lost too must fluid. Circulation changes so that the blood moves away from the major organs and collects in the blood vessels just below the skin. This increases the surface area that the blood covers in the hope that this will help the body cool down. If they are awake simple get them to drink fluids to replenish their systems.

Heat stroke is life threatening because their body's core temperature has risen above normal levels (more than 98 degrees F or 37 degrees C). If the patient is not cooled down their organs will heat up and essentially start to "cook" which can result in brain damage or death. Cool down the patient by removing them from the hot environment and remove clothing. You can cover them with wet sheets, put them in a cool bath (not ice water though, as that would be too much of a shock) or put cool compresses on the back of their necks, armpits, and groin areas.

If in doubt call 9-1-1.