The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a stark warning about the dangers of hot weather, advising when it is essential to call 999 if someone falls ill. With temperatures soaring across the UK in May, the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke is heightened.
Understanding Heat-Related Illnesses
Heatstroke is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. The UKHSA explains that exposure to high temperatures forces the heart to work harder to pump blood closer to the skin's surface, while the body perspires more heavily to regulate its temperature. This combination can lead to serious problems.
The UKHSA warns: "The extra work for the heart and lungs, combined with fluid and salt loss, can cause a range of problems. Fluid loss and dehydration from sweating, along with lower blood pressure due to dilated blood vessels, can lead to dizziness, fainting, or heatstroke."
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms
As dehydration worsens, individuals may experience heat cramps due to the loss of essential electrolytes. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin (or heat rash; note that skin colour changes can be harder to see on brown and black skin)
- Cramps in the arms, legs, and stomach
- Fast breathing or heartbeat
- High temperature
- Thirst
- Weakness
Most people can avoid these symptoms by drinking plenty of water and staying in the shade. However, certain groups are more vulnerable, including older people, young children, pregnant women, and those with underlying heart or lung conditions.
When to Call 999
The UKHSA advises calling 999 if someone shows signs of heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. Signs include:
- No improvement after 30 minutes of cooling measures
- Still feeling hot and dry
- Not sweating despite being too hot
- A temperature of 40°C or above
- Rapid or shortness of breath
- Confusion, fits (seizures), or loss of consciousness
The UKHSA added: "These are all signs of heatstroke, which is a medical emergency and can kill."
First Aid for Heat Exhaustion
If someone shows signs of heat exhaustion, take these four steps to cool them down:
- Move them to a cool place.
- Lie them down and raise their feet slightly.
- Give them plenty of water (sports or rehydration drinks are also suitable).
- Cool their skin by spraying or sponging with cool water and fanning them. Apply cold packs to the armpits or neck.
Stay with them until they recover. If they do not feel better within 30 minutes, call 999.
Preventing Heatstroke
The NHS recommends the following to prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke during hot weather:
- Drink more cold drinks, especially if active or exercising.
- Wear light-coloured, loose clothing.
- Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm.
- Avoid excess alcohol.
- Avoid extreme exercise.
- Indoors, draw curtains, close windows if it is hotter outside, and switch off electrical equipment and lights that generate heat.
These measures also help prevent dehydration and keep the body cool.
