8 Things Doctors Would Never, Ever Do When It's Hot Outside

These common mistakes can lead to heatstroke or heat exhaustion if you're not careful.

It has been an unpleasantly hot summer in much of the country, with many states already seeing heat waves ― and the blistering temperatures are expected to stick around.

At the very least, this type of weather makes it nearly impossible to hold outdoor events or complete routine activities like a daily run. In the worst cases, though, hot weather can be deadly, especially for older adults who are “more prone to get dehydrated more quickly in excessive heat,” said Dr. John Schumann, the Oklahoma-based executive medical director of Oak Street Health.

But there are a range of heat-related conditions that can impact anyone, like heat cramps, dehydration and passing out from the high temperatures. Another is heat exhaustion, which causes “thirst, fatigue ― you can even have mild changes in your mental status, like a little bit of confusion,” according to Dr. Martin Huecker, an emergency care doctor at UofL Health in Louisville, Kentucky.

“And then when you get to heatstroke, that’s the most significant, the most severe form,” Huecker added. “That’s where you start seeing definite mental status changes, and then what we call a cardiovascular collapse or instability. The vital signs change. The heart rate and blood pressure start to change.”

You should immediately call 911 if you notice confusion in someone who has been out in the heat. You should also call 911 if symptoms like heat cramps, heavy sweating or dizziness last more than an hour, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.