Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Overview
Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes. If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.
Symptoms
The signs of heat exhaustion include: tirednessdizzinessheadachefeeling sick or being sickexcessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy or getting aheat rash, but a change in skin colour can be harder to see on brown and black skincramps in the arms, legs and stomachfast breathing or heartbeata high temperaturebeing very thirstyweakness The symptoms of heat exhaustion are often the same in adults and children, although children may become irritable too. If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion they need to be cooled down and given fluids.
Prevention
There's a high risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke during hot weather or exercise. To help prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke: drink more cold drinks, especially if you're active or exercisingwear light-coloured, loose clothingavoid the sun between 11am and 3pmavoid excess alcoholavoid extreme exerciseif you're inside on a very hot day, close curtains, close windows if it's hotter outside than in your home and turn off electrical equipment and lights that get hot This will also prevent dehydration and help your body keep itself cool. Children, older people and people with long-term health conditions (such as diabetes or heart problems) are more at risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Read more about what do to andhow to cope in hot weather.