Britons have been cautioned to “dial 999 immediately” if they notice a potentially hazardous warm weather symptom appearing on the skin. With the UK enduring soaring temperatures this summer, it remains crucial to recognise any indicators of heat stroke.
The NHS clarifies that heat exhaustion can escalate into heatstroke without prompt treatment. “Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes,” the health body said. On its website, the NHS warns that you should “call 999 now if you or someone else has signs of heatstroke,” reports the Daily Record. One such indicator involves burning skin that isn’t perspiring and might appear red.
The NHS advises that this can be harder to see on brown and black skin.
You should also seek emergency help if the person is still unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, being cooled, and drinking fluids.
Additional heatstroke symptoms that require a 999 call are:.
- A very high temperature
- A fast heartbeat
- Fast breathing or shortness of breath
- Confusion and lack of coordination
- A seizure or fit
- Loss of consciousness
The NHS advises, “Put the person in the recovery position if they lose consciousness while you’re waiting for help. “
Before it progresses into heatstroke, the warning signs of heat exhaustion to identify include:
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Cramps in the arms, legs, and stomach
- Excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy, or getting a heat rash
- Fast breathing or heartbeat
- A high temperature
- Being very thirsty
- Weakness
The symptoms of heat exhaustion are often the same in adults and children, although children may become irritable too, warned the health body.
What to do if someone has symptoms
If someone you know is displaying indicators of heat exhaustion, they must be cooled down and given fluids.
The NHS recommends you follow these four steps: You should remain with them until they’ve recovered, which should take about half an hour. However, if this doesn’t work, you may need to dial 999.
Avoiding heatstroke
“There’s a high risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke during hot weather or exercise,” warns the NHS. To help stave off heat exhaustion or heatstroke, the health organisation advises:.
On an extremely hot day indoors, draw the curtains, shut windows if it’s warmer outside than inside your home, and switch off electrical devices and lights that generate heat.
This will also prevent dehydration and assist your body in maintaining its coolness.