Feeling hot? Looking at heat related illness

The basics of heat related illness.

While on expedition or even in the park on a Sunday afternoon playing with the kids. Heat related illness is a risk that shouldn’t be under estimated. You’ll note that it is call heat related not Sun related. It is often the ambient temperature that is the cause. If the ambient temperature is similar to or above the body’s temperature, then the body may have trouble cooling itself. High humidity may prevent sweat from evaporating, one of the main processes for cooling.


Mild heart related illness often goes undetected and people with headaches after a day running around in the sun; are told to go and sleep it off. Being told “You must be tired!”

Like most things prevention is better than cure. But acting soon is paramount if you suspect a heat related illness. 

Prevention:

-Wide brim hat, keeps the direct sun off the top of the head and neck and shoulders.

-Cover skin,

-Breaks in shade, Give the body a chance to catch up. (The temperature difference in the shade can be as much as 10 degrees.)

-Water little and often. Sip water they will be losing water at a high rate even in humid conditions.


But if your advice goes unheeded you need to be able to recognise the symptoms and treat accordingly. Below is a basic aid to help you recognise what could be going on. But remember to get them to a cooler place and seek medical advice.


Heat exhaustion:

loss of salts and water from body it develops gradually, from being in the sun or a hot place for extended periods.


Signs & Symptoms;                         Treatment;

-Dizziness                                       -Remove the person to a cool place

-Pale and Sweating                     -Replace lost fluids and salt                           

-Headache                                    -Raise and support legs

-Cramps                                        -Rest


Heatstroke

Failure of the bodies thermostat to regulate the bodies temperature.

Body heats up rapidly


Signs & Symptoms;                           Treatment;

-Dizzy                                                 -Remove to cool place

-Headache                                      -Remove outer clothing

-Body temp 38°c+                         -fan and mist

-skin, hot, flushed & Dry                -Medical advice is required

Sunburn;

Skin burns due to prolonged exposure to sun


Signs & Symptoms;                                               Treatment;

-Redness of skin                                            -Shade

-Blister and peeling (later stages             -Cool area (water or after sun NO oily substances)

-Cool drink (little and often)


Be aware sunburn may lead to heatstroke or heat exhaustion 


Want to learn more? What about the cold?
by David Coyle 25 June 2025
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