Heat exhaustion:
- Help them lie down out of the sun and raise their legs.
- Give them water to drink.
- Advise them to seek medical advice.
What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is caused by a loss of salt and water, usually through excessive sweating. It develops slowly and usually happens to people who aren’t used to hot, humid weather.
Signs and symptoms
Look for:
- a headache, dizziness and confusion
- a loss of appetite and feeling sick
- sweat with pale, clammy skin
- cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- a fast, weakening pulse and breathing.
What to do
-
Help the casualty to a cool place, out of the sun and encourage them to lie down with their legs raised and supported.
-
You then need to give them lots of water to drink.
- You could also give them an isotonic sports drink or oral rehydration solution, to help replace the salt and fluid they have lost though sweating.
- Do not mix regular cooking salt into water and give it to them to drink, this will make their condition worse.
-
Monitor their level of response. Even if they recover quickly, suggest they seek medical advice.
- If their condition seems to be getting worse, call 999/112 for emergency help.
