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Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Care in Beaumont, TX

Southeast Texas heat and humidity make it hard for the body to cool itself, especially for people working outdoors at refineries, ports and construction sites, athletes, older adults and young children. Heat illness can move from cramps to heat exhaustion to heat stroke. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency: call 911 and start cooling the person right away. Eastex Emergency Room in Beaumont is open 24/7 for heat illness that is not improving.

Heat crampsHeat exhaustionHeat strokeOutdoor workers

Heat stroke: call 911 and start cooling now

Heat stroke happens when the body can no longer control its temperature. It can damage the brain and other organs. Every minute counts.

Confusion, strange behavior, slurred speech or agitation
Passing out or very hard to wake
Seizure
Very high body temperature
Hot skin, which may be dry or still sweating
Fast, strong or weak pulse and fast breathing
Vomiting and not able to drink
Heat exhaustion that is not improving after cooling and rest

While you wait for EMS: move the person to shade or air conditioning, remove extra clothing, and cool them quickly with cool water, wet cloths and fanning, or ice packs to the neck, armpits and groin. Do not give fluids to someone who is confused, vomiting or unconscious.

Symptoms

Heat exhaustion symptoms

Heat exhaustion is a warning sign that the body is overheating and losing fluid and salt. Stop activity, get cool and drink fluids if you can. If symptoms do not improve, or get worse, get medical care.

Heavy sweating
Cool, pale, clammy skin
Muscle cramps
Headache
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Nausea or vomiting
Weakness and tiredness
Fast, weak pulse
Dark urine or peeing less
Fainting when standing up

Possible Causes

Who is most at risk

Heat illness can affect anyone, but some people and situations carry more risk.

Outdoor work and exercise

Heavy work in protective gear, football practice and yard work in the afternoon sun.

Age and health

Older adults, babies and young children, and people with heart, lung or kidney disease or diabetes.

Medicines, alcohol and drugs

Some blood pressure, mental health and allergy medicines, alcohol and stimulants make it harder to cope with heat.

The line between exhaustion and stroke is not always clear: sweating does not rule out heat stroke, especially after exercise. Any change in how a person thinks or behaves in the heat should be treated as heat stroke until proven otherwise. Other conditions, such as low blood sugar, infection or a heart problem, can also look like heat illness.

Your Evaluation

How the ER treats heat illness

Cooling and fluids come first. Then the team checks for damage to the kidneys, muscles and other organs.

Temperature and vital signs. Including an accurate core temperature when heat stroke is possible.
Rapid cooling. Active cooling for anyone with a dangerously high temperature or confusion.
IV fluids. To replace fluid and salt for people who are dehydrated or cannot drink.
Blood and urine tests. To check electrolytes, kidney function, blood sugar and muscle breakdown.
Heart monitoring. An EKG may be done, especially in older adults or with abnormal electrolytes.
Recovery plan. Advice on rest, fluids and when it is safe to return to work or sport.

Testing available on site

IV fluids and medicine

Fluids and medicines through an IV when you need them.

Lab testing

Blood and urine tests run on site.

EKG and monitoring

A tracing of your heart rhythm, repeated if needed.

CT scan

Cross-sectional imaging when the exam calls for it.

The tests above are the diagnostic services Eastex ER lists on its own service pages. Not every patient needs every test. The emergency physician decides what to order based on your history and exam, and a normal result does not rule out every cause. Always follow your discharge instructions and the follow-up plan you are given.

When heat illness needs a hospital

Heat stroke can affect many organs and often needs hospital or intensive care. Eastex ER is a freestanding emergency room without inpatient beds. Patients with heat stroke, kidney injury, severe muscle breakdown or ongoing confusion are stabilized and transferred to a hospital.

For suspected heat stroke, call 911 rather than driving. Cooling should start at the scene.
Mild heat exhaustion often improves with rest, cooling and fluids, and may not need the ER.

Preventing heat illness in Southeast Texas

High humidity in Beaumont means sweat evaporates slowly, so the body cools less well than the temperature alone suggests. Planning ahead prevents most heat emergencies.

Drink regularly, before you feel thirsty. Water is best for most people. People on fluid restrictions should follow their doctor’s advice.
Schedule heavy work and exercise for early morning or evening, and take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning.
Get used to heat gradually over one to two weeks, especially new workers and athletes returning from a break.
Wear light, loose clothing and a hat, and use sunscreen. Sunburn makes it harder for the body to cool down.
Never leave children, older adults or pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes.
Check on neighbors who live alone, are older, or do not have working air conditioning.

Returning to work or sport

After heat stroke or significant heat exhaustion, ask your doctor when it is safe to return to heavy activity in heat. Restart gradually in a cooler environment and build up over time.

Planning Your Visit

Before you come in

If you can, bring a list of medicines. Tell the team what activity the person was doing and for how long.

Find us

5550 Eastex Fwy, Suite C, Beaumont, TX 77708. Open 24 hours, every day. Call 409-800-1100.

What to bring

Photo ID, insurance card and a list of your medicines and allergies, if you can grab them safely.

Insurance

See which plans we work with and what to expect as a freestanding emergency room.

Billing

How emergency visits are billed, and who to contact with questions about a bill.

FAQs

Heat illness questions

Short answers to questions people ask before they come in.

Not sure what to do?

If symptoms are severe or getting worse, call 911. For questions about coming in, call Eastex ER any time.

409-800-1100

What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

Heat exhaustion causes heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness and nausea, and usually improves with cooling and fluids. Heat stroke adds a very high body temperature and changes in the brain, such as confusion, fainting or seizures. Heat stroke is a 911 emergency.

Should I go to the ER for heat exhaustion?

If symptoms improve within a short time of resting in a cool place and drinking fluids, you may not need the ER. Get care if symptoms are not improving, get worse, or the person cannot keep fluids down.

Can I give water to someone with heat stroke?

Only if they are fully awake and able to swallow safely. Do not give anything by mouth to someone who is confused, vomiting or unconscious. Focus on cooling and call 911.

Can you get heat stroke without sweating?

Sweating can stop in some cases of heat stroke, but many people with exertional heat stroke are still sweating. Do not rely on sweating to decide.

Who is most at risk in Beaumont summers?

Outdoor workers, athletes, older adults, young children, and people with chronic illness or certain medicines.

Do sports drinks help?

During long, heavy sweating they can replace some salt. For most people, water is enough for everyday activity.

Keep Reading

Related guides

More from Eastex ER on deciding where to go and what to expect. Browse every guide in our health resources library.

DiagnosticsIV fluids and medication GuideCan the ER treat dehydration?Emergency careDizziness and vertigo

Overheated and not improving? Come in now.

Eastex Emergency Room is open 24/7 at 5550 Eastex Fwy, Suite C, Beaumont, TX 77708. Walk in or call 409-800-1100. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Sources

Last updated: November 12, 2026

This page is general education and does not replace an exam by a clinician. If you think you are having a life-threatening emergency, call 911.