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