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Burns, Heatstroke and Hypothermia: How to Recognize and Treat Them

Immediate care and warning signs for three temperature-related emergencies, including what you should not do.

Last reviewed October 3, 2026 · Spiral Search editorial team
General information, not medical advice. Reading a guide is not a substitute for a hands-on first aid or CPR class (American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and local fire-rescue departments offer them). If someone may be in danger, call 911 and follow the dispatcher.

Burns

Call 911 for a burn that goes through all layers of skin (dry, leathery, charred or discolored), is larger than 3 inches across, is on the face, hands, feet, genitals or a joint, wraps around a limb, involves smoke inhalation, electricity or chemicals. Babies and older adults may need emergency care even for smaller burns.

Minor burn

  1. Cool the burn under cool (not ice-cold) running water for about 10 minutes.
  2. Remove rings, watches and tight items before swelling starts.
  3. Cover loosely with a clean, non-stick bandage or gauze.
  4. Do not pop blisters. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help.

Major burn

  1. Call 911. Move the person away from the heat source and make sure they are breathing.
  2. Remove tight items before swelling, but do not remove clothing that is stuck to the burn.
  3. Cover the area loosely with a clean, dry cloth or sterile gauze.
  4. Watch for signs of shock: pale, clammy skin and weakness.

Do not use butter, oil, toothpaste or ice on a burn.

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustionHeatstroke (emergency)
SignsHeavy sweating, fatigue, thirst, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, fast heart rateConfusion, slurred speech, fainting, seizures, hot dry or heavily sweaty skin, very high body temperature, rapid pulse
ActionMove to shade or air conditioning, remove extra clothing, cool with water and fans, give sips of waterCall 911. Cool immediately: cold water immersion if possible, or cold wet towels or ice packs on head, neck, armpits and groin, plus fans

OSHA's principle is simple: when in doubt, cool the person and call 911. Never leave them alone. Never leave a child or pet in a parked car, even for a short time; temperatures inside can become deadly within minutes, especially in Florida.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when body temperature falls below 95°F. It can happen in cool weather or in cold water, even in Florida.

Signs: shivering (which may stop as it gets worse), slurred or mumbling speech, slow shallow breathing, weak pulse, clumsiness, confusion or drowsiness, and loss of consciousness.

  1. Call 911.
  2. Move the person out of the cold, wind and wet. Insulate them from the ground.
  3. Replace wet clothes with dry layers and blankets.
  4. Warm the core first (chest, neck, groin) with dry layers or warm compresses.
  5. If awake, give warm, sweet, non-alcoholic drinks.
  6. If they stop breathing, start CPR.

Do not use hot baths, heat lamps or rub the arms and legs, and never give alcohol.

Sources and further reading