What to Do for Heat Exhaustion or Heatstroke
Information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice and you always seek appropriate professional help or seek immediate medical attention for serious conditions. See full disclaimer here
☀️ What to Do for Heat Exhaustion or Heatstroke
Too much heat can be dangerous. Heat exhaustion and Heatstroke both happen when your body can’t cool itself properly — but one is far more serious.
Knowing the difference, and what to do fast, can save a life.
🌡️ Understanding the Difference
| Condition | What’s Happening | How Serious |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Exhaustion | The body is overheating but can still regulate temperature through sweating. | Usually mild and treatable with rest and cooling. |
| Heatstroke | The body’s temperature has risen dangerously high (usually above 40°C) and the cooling system fails. | Life-threatening — needs urgent medical help. |
⚠️ Signs of Heat Exhaustion
These are the early warning signs that someone is struggling in the heat:
Headache or dizziness
Pale, clammy skin
Muscle cramps
Nausea or vomiting
Fast, weak pulse
Heavy sweating
Weakness or fatigue
🚨 Signs of Heatstroke (Medical Emergency)
If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can progress to heatstroke.
Call 999 or 112 immediately if someone shows:
Confusion or loss of coordination
Hot, flushed, dry skin (no longer sweating)
Rapid, strong pulse
Seizures or collapse
Loss of consciousness
🧊 Step-by-Step: What to Do for Heat Exhaustion
Move the person to a cool, shaded place.
Indoors or under cover from the sun.Help them lie down and raise their legs.
This helps improve blood flow to the brain.Cool them down.
Loosen clothing.
Use a fan, cold water, or damp cloths on the skin.
Encourage them to drink cool water or an isotonic sports drink.
Stay with them for at least 30 minutes.
They should start to feel better within that time.If symptoms persist after 30 minutes, call 999 or 112 — it may have developed into heatstroke.
🔥 Step-by-Step: What to Do for Heatstroke
Call 999 or 112 immediately.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency.Move the person to a cool place.
Remove excess clothing and keep air circulating.Cool the person as quickly as possible.
Use cool, wet towels, or a sponge with cool water.
If possible, fan them while applying water.
You can use ice packs in the armpits, groin, and neck — but don’t over-chill.
Monitor their breathing and response.
If they become unresponsive but breathing, put them in the recovery position.
If they stop breathing, start hands-only CPR — see How to Perform CPR.
🌤️ Preventing Heat Illness
Drink water regularly — don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
Take breaks in the shade or indoors during hot weather.
Wear light, loose clothing and a hat.
Avoid strenuous activity in peak sun hours (11am–3pm).
Check on elderly or vulnerable people in heatwaves.
Learn Environmental First Aid with DAC Education
Our Outdoor and Environmental First Aid courses teach how to recognise and respond to heat and cold-related illnesses — including heatstroke, dehydration, hypothermia, and frostbite.
Perfect for outdoor workers, sports coaches, and expedition leaders.
👉 Join an Outdoor First Aid Course
(Delivered at our Suffolk HQ or on-site for groups of six or more.)
Disclaimer
This article offers general first aid advice. Always call 999 or 112 if someone shows signs of heatstroke or doesn’t improve after cooling and rehydration.