How to Help with Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke

Heat stroke first aid with cooling towel and ice pack

While we head into summer, it’s good to know what to do to help someone with heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion first aid with cooling towel and hydration

We explain the difference between the two conditions and how you can treat them with first aid.

In this article, we’ll also offer some additional tips on enjoying the summer safely.

What is heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is a condition caused by losing too much water and salt from the body. This can typically happen when you are sweating a lot in high temperatures and not drinking enough to replenish the liquid you are losing.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

Weakness
Excessive sweating
Weak and fast pulse
Nausea and/or vomiting
Cold, clammy and pale skin

This is how to treat heat exhaustion:

Move the patient to a shaded, cool place.
Remove any excess layers of clothing.
Get them to take a cool shower.
Offer cooling products for comfort.
Get the patient to rest.
Rehydrate with water or a rehydration solution.
Get help from a healthcare professional if vomiting is persistent or you are worried about the patient.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is considered a medical emergency and is caused by your body overheating. This can happen if you have been outside for a long time or have done strenuous physical exercise in high temperatures.

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

High body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius
Rapid, strong pulse
Nausea and/or vomiting
Confusion
Loss of consciousness
Hot red skin, which can be moist or dry

If left untreated, heat stroke can harm your muscles, heart, kidneys or muscles — that’s why it’s important to recognise the signs and get help straight away.

Heat stroke first aid involves:

Moving the patient into a shaded or indoor area
Removing excess clothing
Cooling the patient down by giving them a cool shower, sponging them down or using ice packs
Dialling triple zero (000) for help

How to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are unpleasant conditions, and heat stroke can have serious and lasting consequences if left untreated.

Know that there are steps you can take to avoid both heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

If you experience a sudden heat wave or increase in temperature in your area or while you are travelling, limit your activity until you acclimatise.
Don’t wear too much clothing in high temperatures.
Take breaks if you are working or exercising outdoors.
Keep hydrated with water, squash and juice.
Avoid or limit your consumption of alcohol, which has a dehydrating effect.
If you take certain medications, such as diuretics that get rid of sodium and water from your body, take extra care. Consult your doctor to know whether your medication can affect your body’s ability to stay hydrated and safe in hot weather.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunblock if you are venturing out in hot and sunny weather to protect you from overheating and guard against skin cancer.
Stay inside during the hottest part of the day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Never leave anyone or a pet in a parked, closed car — the temperature can become very hot incredibly quickly.
Children under the age of four and adults over 65 should take extra care in elevated temperatures.
You should also take extra care if you are overweight or obese, as your body will retain more heat.

More tips to enjoy hot weather safely

You can enjoy the warmer weather safely by taking some additional precautions:

Always carry a water bottle with you.
Plan ahead so you don’t have to be outside during the hottest part of the day.
Keep curtains and blinds closed to block out the sun.
Wear light, loose clothing made from natural fibres such as linen and cotton.
Keep up-to-date with weather and news reports to know what temperatures to expect.
Check in on neighbours and family members during hot weather to make sure they’re OK.