What to do if someone has Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke

It is possible when doing exercise especially outside in the summer months that you can fall ill through Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke.  It is important to know and recognize the symptoms of these and to act accordingly.  Remember whatever you do keep yourself and the people around you safe. 

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious if not treated quickly. You should give first aid and call Emergency Services if you think there are signs of heat stroke.

Check for signs of heat exhaustion

The signs of heat exhaustion include:

• headache
• dizziness and confusion
• loss of appetite and feeling sick
• excessive sweating and pale clammy skin
• cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
• fast breathing or pulse
• temperature of 37C or above
• intense thirst

The symptoms are often the same in adults and children, although children may become floppy and sleepy.
Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke if left untreated.

► The difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke

First aid for heat exhaustion and heat stroke

You need to cool the person down. Follow these 5 steps:

1. move them to a cool place
2. remove any unnecessary clothing
3. get them to lie down and raise their feet slightly
4. get them to drink plenty of water (sports or rehydration drinks are ok)
5. cool their skin - spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them (ice packs around the armpits or neck are good too)

Every few minutes, check that their breathing and pulse are ok.
Stay with them until they are better.
They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.

Call Emergency Services if the person:

• is no better after 30 minutes
• feels hot and dry
• has a temperature of 40C or above
• has rapid or shortness of breath
• is confused
• has a fit (seizure)
• loses consciousness
• is unresponsive

These can be signs of heat stroke.

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While you wait for help, keep giving first aid and put them in the recovery position if they lose consciousness.

Preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke

There is a high risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke during hot weather or exercise.
To help prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke:

• drink plenty of cold drinks, especially when exercising
• take cool baths or showers
• wear light-colored, loose clothing
• sprinkle water over skin or clothes
• avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
• avoid excess alcohol
• avoid extreme exercise

This will also prevent dehydration and help your body keep itself cool.
How to spot dehydration
Keep an eye on children, the elderly and people with long-term health conditions (like diabetes or heart problems) because they’re more at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
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