Signs of heat illness
What heat exhaustion and heat stroke look like, and what to do.
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Heat illness comes in stages, and the early ones are easy to brush off. These are the signs the NHS lists, and what it says to do. If you are not sure which one you are looking at, treat it as the worse one.
The warning stage
Heat exhaustion
What to look for
- Tiredness, dizziness or a headache
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Sweating a lot, with pale, clammy skin
- Cramps in the arms, legs or stomach
- A high temperature
- Being very thirsty
- Feeling irritable
What to do
- Move them to a cool place.
- Take off any clothing they do not need, like a jacket or socks.
- Give them plenty of water to drink. A sports drink or rehydration powder helps too.
- Cool their skin: spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them.
They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes. If they do not, call emergency services.
An emergency
Heatstroke
What to look for
- Still unwell after 30 minutes of resting somewhere cool, being cooled and drinking fluids
- A very high temperature
- Hot skin: may be dry (common in older people during heat waves) or soaked with sweat (common during exercise or hard work)
- A fast heartbeat
- Fast breathing or shortness of breath
- Confusion and lack of coordination
- A seizure or fit
- Passing out
Call emergency services now.
While you wait
- Move them somewhere cool.
- Keep cooling them: cool water on the skin, and fan them.
- Stay with them until help arrives.
Who to check on
Children, older people and anyone with a long-term condition such as diabetes or a heart problem are more at risk. Check on them during hot spells, before they feel the need to ask.
HeatCue shows conditions and general guidance. It is an awareness tool, not medical advice.