We often don’t think about the effects that heat can have on us when we live in the UK as we never seem to have high temperatures or prolonged periods of heat, but last summer that wasn’t the case as temperatures soared and it became a summer to remember for the good weather.

Many vulnerable people such as the young, elderly or those with health conditions can suffer  with heat exhaustion and heatstroke when the temperatures climb. Heat exhaustion is not too serious as long as the body is able to cool down again within 30 minutes, but if it develops and becomes heatstroke it becomes an emergency.

What are the signs of heat exhaustion?

There are many symptoms that can signal that a person is suffering from heat exhaustion which includes headache, dizziness, confusion, loss of appetite, feeling sick, cramps in the limbs and stomach, excessive sweating, pale and clammy skin, extreme thirst, fast breathing or pulse, and a temperature of 38C or above.

Symptoms tend to be the same regardless of age, but children can also become sleepy and floppy.

How to prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke?

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke occur in hot weather or during exercise so to prevent this occurring you should drink plenty of cold drinks, wear loose fitting and light-coloured clothing, avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm, cool yourself with baths, showers or spraying with cool water.

In terms of exercise, you should avoid exercising in high temperatures and ensure that if you do exercise you stay well hydrated.

What should you do?

If someone is presenting with heat exhaustion symptoms you should immediately try to cool them down. You should do this by moving them to a cooler place and try to get them to lie down and raise their feet slightly. Drinking fluids, particularly water, is essential to keep the body hydrated. Cool the skin using cold packs, cold sponges or cold sprays, especially cool the armpits and neck.

This result in their temperature falling to a more acceptable level, however, if they don’t start to feel better within 30 minutes you should call 999. If their temperature is above 40°C, they can fit and lose consciousness, becoming unresponsive, these are all signs of heat stroke. The initial treatment is the same as above regarding heat exhaustion, get them into the shade and cool them with wet towels or a fan, but be aware not to over cool too rapidly. The key principle is hydration; get them to sip 1 litre of water with half a teaspoonful of salt dissolved in it. This will help replace lost electrolytes. If in doubt contact the emergency services and ask for advice.