How to prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke

Whilst we all love having some nice warm weather it can be easy to overheat especially when temperatures reach higher levels.

With the UK government issuing red and amber weather warnings for extreme heat across the country it is important we all take some precautions to stay cool. Extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke which can be medical emergencies. Here is what you need to know about heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if someone has symptoms.

Do you know the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke?

Heat exhaustion is when your body is becoming too hot and is struggling to cope. If someone has heat exhaustion you should:

• Take them somewhere cool and shaded and encourage them to rest
• Help the person to lie down and raise their feet
• Remove any unnecessary clothes
• Get them to drink water
• Cool their skin with a cool, wet flannel or by gently spraying them with cool water. You could also wrap them in cool wet sheet

Seek medical help if the person has not cooled down after 30 minutes.

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Heat exhaustion can turn into heatstroke which is a medical emergency. This is when someone’s body can no longer control heat and body temperature is becoming too high. If you suspect someone has heatstroke seek medical help immediately by dialling 999.

Whilst waiting for help try to cool the person down by wrapping them in a cool wet sheet or spraying them with cold water. You can also wrap them in a cool wet sheet. You should also try to move them to a cool and shaded area. If the person loses consciousness place them in the recovery position.

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