Heatstroke:
- Move them to a cool place.
- Call 999.
- Wrap in a cool, wet sheet until temperature reduces to 37.5 ºC.
- Replace with dry sheet.
What is heatstroke?
Heatstroke is caused by a failure of the ‘thermostat’ in the brain which regulates the body’s temperature. This means the body is unable to cool down when it becomes too hot.
It could be caused by spending too much time in the sun, having a high fever, or from taking non-prescription drugs such as Ecstasy. It can also occur after heat exhaustion when sweating ceases.
Your priority is to cool them down as quickly as possible and get them to hospital.
Signs and symptoms
Look for:
- headache, dizziness and discomfort
- they may be restless and confused
- hot, flushed and dry skin
- becoming less responsive quickly
- pulse that’s full and bounding
- body temperature above 40°C (104°F).
What to do
-
Quickly move the casualty to a cool place and remove as much of their outer clothing as you can. Call 999 or 112 for emergency help.
-
Help them to sit down in a comfortable, supported position. Wrap them in a cool, wet sheet and keep pouring cold water over the sheet until their temperature falls to at least 37.5°C (measured under the armpit).
If a sheet is not available, fan them or sponge them down with cold water.
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Once their temperature has come down to normal, replace the wet sheet with a dry one.
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While waiting for help to arrive, monitor their level of response and temperature.
- If their temperature starts to increase cool them down again using the same method.
- If they become unresponsive at any point, open their airway, check their breathing and prepare to give CPR.
How to do CPR on an adult
If an adult is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you need to call 999 or 112 for emergency help and start CPR straight away. Learn what to do.
