If you can cool down within 30 minutes, heat exhaustion usually doesn’t require emergency medical attention. Heatstroke requires emergency treatment if it develops.
Signs of heat exhaustion;
The signs of heat exhaustion include:
- tiredness
- dizziness
- headache
- feeling sick or being sick
- excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy or getting a heat rash, but a change in skin colour can be harder to see on brown and black skin
- cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- fast breathing or heartbeat
- a high temperature
- being very thirsty
Adults and children may experience the same symptoms of heat exhaustion, although children may become irritable.
A person who shows signs of heat exhaustion needs to be cooled down and given fluids.
Things you can do to cool someone down
If someone has heat exhaustion, follow these steps:
- Move them to a cool place.
- Remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks.
- Get them to drink a sports or rehydration drink, or cool water.
- Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs, wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck are good too.
Stay with them until they’re better.
Within 30 minutes, they should start to feel better and cool down.
Preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke
Exercise or hot weather can cause heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
To help prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke:
- Drink more cold drinks, especially if you’re active or exercising.
- Wear light-coloured, loose clothing.
- Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm.
- Avoid excess alcohol.
- Avoid extreme exercise.
- If you’re inside on a very hot day, close curtains, close windows if it’s hotter outside than in your home and turn off electrical equipment and lights that get hot.
You will also prevent dehydration and keep your body cool by doing this.
People with long-term health conditions (such as diabetes or heart problems) are more likely to suffer from heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
If you would like to speak to us about how we could help with your First Aid training requirements, please call us on 01276 586943 or email us at admin@crosscountiestraining.co.uk for hassle-free bookings.
