What is the primary distinction between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?

The primary distinction between heat exhaustion and heat stroke lies in the severity of the conditions and the physiological responses of the body. Heat stroke is defined by a dangerously high core body temperature, typically above 104°F (40°C), which can lead to critical failure of the body's thermoregulation and serious complications such as organ damage or death. This extreme condition suggests that the body's mechanisms to maintain a safe internal temperature have failed, posing a significant threat to life.

In contrast, heat exhaustion usually presents with symptoms like heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, and nausea, while the core temperature remains elevated but not to the critical levels seen in heat stroke. The body's ability to cool itself is still functional in heat exhaustion, which is the main reason those affected often do not suffer from the severe dysfunction characteristic of heat stroke.

Other options incorrectly emphasize specific symptoms or timeframes that do not capture this critical difference in body temperature regulation and the associated risks involved in each condition. Understanding this distinction is vital in providing appropriate first aid and interventions in wilderness settings.