BUTLER TWP — While the dog days of summer are meant for the outdoors, sweltering temperatures sometimes lead to heat-related illnesses.

Molly Calvert, an assistant supervisor and head lifeguard at Alameda Pool, often spends her summer days in direct sunlight.

She also has firsthand experience with heat stroke — she had it.

“You can tell because you start seeing black dots,” Calvert said.

Black dots are just one symptom of a potential heat stroke. How can you tell when you, or someone around you, is having a heat stroke?

Know the signs

According to the Red Cross, heat stroke usually occurs when someone ignore signals of heat exhaustion.

Dr. Rick Wadas, with UPMC Passavant in Cranberry Township, said heat-related illnesses often are minor, like heat cramps, heat amnesia or heat exhaustion.

Heat stroke, on the other hand, is more severe and occurs less often.

Wadas said there are classic heat stroke symptoms distinguishing it from other heat-related illnesses.

Someone suffering heat stroke has an exceptionally high body temperature — oftentimes reading 104 degrees or higher.

He added how heat stroke is oftentimes accompanied by a neurological component. A difference in someone's behavior can be very telling, and confusion and drowsiness often go hand-in-hand with heat stroke.

In some cases, someone suffering from heat stroke may not be sweating very much.

“You don't see a lot of sweating anymore, because the body can't deal with the heat,” he said.

Who's at risk?

Although anyone in the heat is susceptible, some groups are at a higher risk for heat stroke.

Wadas said children younger than age 4 and adults older than age 75 are more vulnerable to heat stroke, as well as anyone working outdoors.

Chronic medical problems also can pose a risk.

Heat stroke most often occurs during heat waves. Wadas also warned people about leaving their children or pets in a vehicle on stifling summer days.

“It's shocking how quick the temperature can rise in the car with the windows up,” he said.

In the event of heat stroke, call 911

Calvert said lifeguards at Alameda Pool are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stroke.

“We sit (victims) down right away, wherever they are at,” she said.

In addition to getting them settled, Calvert said it is important for someone suffering a heat stroke to hydrate and work to cool their body. It's also imperative that someone calls 911. Wadas said heat stroke can cause a seizure, coma and permanent brain injury.

“It really is a medical emergency,” he said.

Stay hydrated and take breaks

Heatstroke symptoms can be severe, but there are some fairly simple, common-sense ways to avoid heat stroke.

“Drink a lot of water,” Calvert said. “A lot of people order soda like Pepsi rather than Gatorade, which has electrolytes, or the water that we have.”

Dan Tobin, director of marketing and communications for the American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region, said it's important to avoid caffeinated drinks in sweltering heat.

“Both alcohol and caffeine dehydrate you,” he said. “It may feel good because it's cold, but it's actually dehydrating you.”

Tobin recommends planning ahead. If you are going somewhere for the day, he said to bring water with you, because it might not be readily available.

On days you know you'll be out in the elements, both Wadas and Tobin also suggest scheduling breaks from the sun.

“During the height of the day, take breaks,” Tobin said. “The key is not to overdo it.”

Tobin also said it's also a good idea to check weather reports and wear light clothing.

Here are sypmtoms of heat stroke:Extremely high body temperature, often 104 degrees or higherRed skin, may be dry or moistChanges in consciousnessRapid, weak pulse; shallow breathingConfusionVomitingSeizuresSource: American Red Cross