Environmental
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Heat exhaustion is treated by moving to a cool place, removing clothing and sipping cool water. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency — call 000 and cool the person rapidly by any means available.
Heat exhaustion is treated by moving to a cool place, removing clothing and sipping cool water. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency — call 000 and cool the person rapidly by any means available.
Heat exhaustion
Signs: heavy sweating, pale clammy skin, headache, nausea, weakness, dizziness.
- Move to a cool, shaded area.
- Loosen or remove clothing.
- Cool with damp cloths and a fan.
- Sip cool water or oral rehydration solution.
- Rest until fully recovered.
Heat stroke — life threatening
Signs: hot dry skin (sweating may have stopped), high body temperature, confusion, slurred speech, collapse, seizures.
- Call 000.
- Move to a cool place.
- Cool rapidly by any means — cold water immersion is best; otherwise spray with water, fan, ice packs to the neck, armpits and groin.
- If unconscious but breathing, place in the recovery position.
- Do NOT give anything by mouth if drowsy or confused.
Questions & answers
What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke?
Heat exhaustion — heavy sweating, pale clammy skin, headache, nausea. Heat stroke — hot dry skin (sweating may stop), confusion, collapse, seizures. Heat stroke is life-threatening.
How do I cool someone with heat stroke?
Cold water immersion is best. Otherwise spray with water and fan, and apply ice packs to the neck, armpits and groin while waiting for the ambulance.
Should I give them water to drink?
Only if they are fully alert and not vomiting. Do not give anything by mouth to a drowsy or confused person.
Related topics
Dehydration
Move the person to a cool place and let them sip water or an oral rehydration solution slowly. Severe dehydration — confusion, no urine output, rapid pulse — needs an ambulance.
Sunburn
Move out of the sun, cool the area with cool water for 20 minutes, apply after-sun gel, drink plenty of water, and never burst blisters. Seek medical aid for severe burns or blistering on children.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a drop in core body temperature below 35°C. Move the person to shelter, remove wet clothing, rewarm gradually with blankets and body heat, and call 000 if severe.
Drowning
Remove the person from the water only if safe to do so. Start CPR immediately if they are unresponsive and not breathing normally — call 000 for every drowning casualty, even if they seem to recover.
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