With this summer continuing to be a warm one, it’s vital to be able to recognise the warning signs of heatstroke
The NHS has issued a warning to Brits, urging them to “call 999 now” if they observe a potentially severe symptom of hot weather on their skin. As the UK endures soaring temperatures this summer, it’s vital to be vigilant for any indications of heatstroke.
According to the NHS, without immediate intervention, heat exhaustion can rapidly progress into heatstroke. “Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes,” stated the health organisation.
“If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.” The NHS website cautions that you should “call 999 now if you or someone else have signs of heatstroke”.
A primary sign is skin that feels hot but isn’t perspiring and may appear red. The NHS points out that this symptom might be harder to identify on brown and black skin.
Emergency aid should also be sought if a person continues to feel unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, receiving cooling treatment, and hydrating. Other symptoms of heatstroke that necessitate immediate 999 assistance include:
- An extremely high temperature
- Rapid pulse
- Fast breathing or difficulty breathing
- Confusion and poor coordination
- Seizure or fit
- Loss of consciousness
“Put the person in the recovery position if they lose consciousness while you’re waiting for help,” advises the NHS. Before escalating to heatstroke, the warning signs of heat exhaustion to look out for include:
- Fatigue
- Light-headedness
- Head pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscular cramps in the limbs and abdomen
- Profuse perspiration with skin becoming pallid and clammy or developing heat rash
- Rapid respiration or pulse
- Elevated body temperature
- Intense thirst
- General weakness
The NHS stated: “The symptoms of heat exhaustion are often the same in adults and children, although children may become irritable too.”
What to do if someone has symptoms
As reported by Surrey Live, if someone you know is displaying signs of heat exhaustion, they need to be cooled down immediately and given fluids. The NHS advises following these four essential steps:
- Move them to a cool place
- Remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks
- Get them to drink a sports or rehydration drink, or cool water
- Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs, wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck are good too
You should remain with them until they recover, which ought to take 30 minutes. Nevertheless, if this approach proves unsuccessful you may need to call 999.
Preventing heatstroke
“There’s a high risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke during hot weather or exercise,” the NHS says. To help prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke the health body recommends you:
- Drink more cold drinks, especially if you’re active or exercising
- Wear light-coloured, loose clothing
- Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
- Avoid excess alcohol
- Avoid extreme exercise
If 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.