Heat Exhaustion / Stroke

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Heat exhaustion occurs when your body temperature raises from 37.5°C towards 40°C.

Signs of heat exhaustion include:

  • Pale, clammy skin
  •  Heavy sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Mental confusion
  • Urinating less often or urine darker than normal

TREATMENT

  • Get them indoors and cool the body using fans, wet towels or a shower.
  • Give them plenty of fluids (no alcohol or caffeine) e.g water / sports drink
  • Loosen any tight clothing

HEAT STROKE

Once the body temperate exceeds 40°C, cells inside the body start to break down.

Signs of heat stroke include:

  • Instantly stop sweating
  • Hot and dry skin
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Rapid breathing
  • Muscle cramps

TREATMENT

  • Move them indoors
  • Shower the skin with cool (not cold) water
  • If they have muscle cramps, gently massage the skin
  • If a seizure occurs then follow the necessary steps
  • If they become unresponsive or start vomiting place
  • them into the safe airway position
  • Call 999 / 112 for an ambulance
Created: 25 September 2025
Last Modified: 25 September 2025
Author: Phil Newton

Version: Version: 1.04