We’ve certainly had our fair share of hot weather already this summer and, with the school holidays now here, lots of us will be making the most of it.
Whether you’re spending the day at the beach, watching the children play football, enjoying a barbecue or working outside, it can be easy to forget how quickly the heat can catch you out.
Most people have heard of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, but they’re not the same thing. Knowing the difference could help you spot when someone simply needs to cool down… and when it’s time to call 999.
What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion happens when the body gets too hot and struggles to cool itself properly.
It can happen after spending too long in the sun, working outside, exercising in hot weather or not drinking enough.
Someone with heat exhaustion might:
- Feel dizzy or faint
- Have a headache
- Feel sick
- Sweat a lot
- Look pale and clammy
- Have muscle cramps
- Feel unusually tired or weak
- Have a fast pulse
It can look quite alarming, but if you act quickly most people recover well.
What should you do?
Move them somewhere cool and encourage them to rest.
Offer plenty of water if they’re able to drink, loosen any tight clothing and help cool them down with cool water, damp towels or a fan if you have one.
Keep an eye on how they’re doing.
If they’re improving within around half an hour, that’s reassuring.
If they aren’t getting any better, or you’re worried, seek medical advice.
So, what makes heat stroke different?
Heat stroke is much more serious.
It happens when the body can no longer control its temperature, and it becomes a medical emergency.
Someone with heat stroke may:
- Have very hot skin
- Become confused or disorientated
- Stop sweating
- Collapse
- Have a seizure
- Become unconscious
If you think someone has heat stroke, call 999 straight away.
While help is on the way, keep trying to cool them down using whatever you have available.
A few simple ways to avoid heat-related illness
You can’t always avoid the heat, but you can reduce the risk.
- Drink water regularly throughout the day.
- Wear lightweight clothing.
- Take breaks in the shade.
- Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day where possible.
- Never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets in a parked car.
Hopefully you’ll never need this advice…
…but if you do, you’ll be glad you knew it.
First aid isn’t about remembering hundreds of facts. It’s about recognising when something isn’t right and knowing the first few steps that could make a real difference.
If you’d like to feel more confident in handling situations like this, take a look at our First Aid at Work courses, Emergency First Aid at Work courses or browse our Trainer’s Corner videos for more practical advice.
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