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CONDITIONS
Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke: When to Seek Care
Southern California heat is no joke, and neither is what it does to your body. Our ER-trained doctors in Lakewood treat heat exhaustion with same-day evaluation, on-site labs, and IV fluids when you need them.
Heat stroke is different: it’s a medical emergency that requires calling 911 immediately.
Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke: Know the Difference
Both are heat illness — but one is treatable at urgent care, and the other is a medical emergency. Here’s how to tell them apart:
| Sign | Heat Exhaustion | Heat Stroke (call 911) |
|---|---|---|
| Skin | Cool, pale, clammy, heavy sweating | Hot and red — dry or damp |
| Body temperature | Usually below 103°F | 103°F or higher |
| Mental state | Tired, dizzy, headache | Confusion, slurred speech, passing out |
| Pulse | Fast and weak | Fast and strong |
| Other signs | Nausea, muscle cramps, weakness | Seizures, loss of consciousness |
Urgent Care or ER? Know the Difference
Come to ContinuEM if you have:
- Heat exhaustion symptoms that don’t improve within 30–60 minutes of rest, shade, and fluids
- Vomiting or trouble keeping fluids down
- Signs of dehydration — dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth, weakness
- Muscle cramps that won’t ease up
- Headache, fatigue, or lightheadedness after heat exposure
Call 911 or go to the ER if you or someone else has:
- A body temperature of 103°F or higher
- Hot, red skin — with little or no sweating
- Confusion, slurred speech, or agitation
- Fainting, seizures, or unresponsiveness
- Rapid, strong pulse with a throbbing headache
Heat stroke can damage the brain, heart, and kidneys within minutes. While you wait for help: move the person somewhere cool, and cool them fast — cold cloths, ice packs at the neck, armpits, and groin. Don’t give fluids by mouth if they’re confused or unconscious.
Not sure? Call us at (562) 731-3990 — we’ll help you decide.
Symptoms We Ask About
Heat exhaustion builds over minutes to hours, often during or after time outdoors. Tell us about: heavy sweating, dizziness or fainting, headache, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, weakness or fatigue, cool clammy skin, and how much you’ve had to drink. Certain medications — blood pressure pills, diuretics, antihistamines — raise your risk, so bring your medication list.
Most at risk: outdoor workers, athletes and weekend warriors, adults over 65, young children, and anyone working or exercising through a heat wave.
What to Do Right Now (First Aid)
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Stop and get cool. Shade or air conditioning, right away.
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Loosen clothing and apply cool, wet cloths — or take a cool shower.
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Sip water or a sports drink. Slowly and steadily, not all at once.
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Lie down and elevate your legs if you feel dizzy.
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Not better within an hour — or getting worse? That’s your signal to be seen. Walk in.
How We Diagnose & Treat Heat Exhaustion
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We assess quickly.
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We test on site when needed.
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We rehydrate you properly.
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We watch you respond.
We check your vitals and hydration, run blood work for electrolytes when needed, and rehydrate you with oral or IV fluids, all in one visit.
Why Choose ContinuEM for Heat Illness
ER-trained, board-certified providers who treat heat illness all summer
On-site labs and IV fluids — evaluated, treated, and rehydrated in one visit
Walk-ins welcome; open until 11 PM weekdays, 6 PM weekends
$99 upfront fee; most insurance accepted
Faster and far cheaper than the ER for non-emergency heat illness
Conveniently located in Lakewood, CA, serving Long Beach, Downey, Cerritos, Bellflower, Paramount, Signal Hill, Norwalk, Naples, Belmont Shore, Huntington Beach, Seal Beach, Buena Park, Cypress, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, and West Garden Grove.
Related Care at ContinuEM
One visit usually covers whatever the heat took out of you:
- IV Hydration Therapy: fast fluid and electrolyte replacement
- Dehydration treatment: the most common companion to heat illness
- Lab Testing: on-site electrolyte and kidney checks
FAQ
Heat Exhaustion FAQs
Urgent care is right for heat exhaustion — dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea, cramps — that isn’t improving with rest and fluids. Go to the ER for any sign of heat stroke: temperature of 103°F+, hot, red skin, confusion, or fainting. Unsure? Call (562) 731-3990.
Cooling, monitoring, and rehydration, oral fluids or IV fluids depending on how depleted you are, plus on-site labs to check electrolytes when needed.
With prompt cooling and rehydration, most people feel better within 24–48 hours. Take it easy and stay out of the heat for a few days, your body needs about a week to fully recover its heat tolerance.
Yes. Untreated heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, which is life-threatening. That’s why symptoms that don’t improve within an hour deserve same-day medical care.
Often, yes. If you’re too nauseated to drink or significantly dehydrated, IV fluids restore hydration and electrolytes faster than drinking can. Our doctors will tell you honestly whether you need an IV or oral fluids are enough.
PHONE
FAX
(562) 461-0082
HOURS & APPOINTMENTS
Monday – Friday
8 AM – 11 PM (last check-in at 10 PM)
Saturday & Sunday
10 AM – 6 PM (last check-in at 5 PM)
Times may vary. See Holiday Hours.
COVERAGE
We’ve Got You Covered
Most in-network and out-of-network insurance accepted. You pay a $99 upfront service fee; the rest is billed to your insurance.
*Exclusions apply for insurance plans without urgent care benefits — see cash payment options.
Medically reviewed by
Written by
ContinuEM Editorial Team
Last updated
July 28, 2026
ContinuEM Urgent Care is dedicated to delivering exceptional, convenient healthcare to the Lakewood community and its surrounding areas. Our board-certified providers deliver expert care with compassion, transparency, and respect for your time.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding a medical condition. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.