The body cools itself by sweating. In extreme heat and humidity this system can fail: it starts as heat exhaustion, and with continued exposure becomes heat stroke — body temperature above 40°C with the brain affected. Highest risk: outdoor workers, children, the elderly, and midday athletes.

In short — what to do

  1. The signs: confusion, strange behaviour or unconsciousness, hot skin (dry or sweaty), very high temperature, seizure.
  2. Call 998 immediately — then cool without hesitation or delay: move to shade, strip outer clothing.
  3. Spray with water and fan them; ice packs on the neck, armpits and groin — or immerse in cool water if possible.
  4. Don't give drinks while confused — they will choke.
  5. Keep cooling until the ambulance arrives — every minute of cooling protects the brain.

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Cool without delay: shade, water mist and air, ice at neck and armpits
Cool without delay: shade, water mist and air, ice at neck and armpits
The full details

Heat exhaustion (stage one — treat on the spot)

  • Heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, exhaustion.
  • Consciousness is normal — that is the dividing line.
  • Response: move them to shade or air conditioning now, remove extra layers, spray water and fan them, give cool water in repeated sips. Better within 30 minutes? Good. Not better? ER.

Heat stroke (a killer emergency — 998 now)

  1. The signs: confusion, strange behaviour or unconsciousness, hot skin (dry or sweaty), very high temperature, seizure.
  2. Call 998 immediately — then cool without hesitation or delay: move to shade, strip outer clothing.
  3. Spray with water and fan them; ice packs on the neck, armpits and groin — or immerse in cool water if possible.
  4. Don't give drinks while confused — they will choke.
  5. Keep cooling until the ambulance arrives — every minute of cooling protects the brain.

Do NOT

  • "Let him rest a bit in the car with the AC" instead of real cooling and calling — heat stroke kills by waiting.
  • Fever medicine (paracetamol) — it doesn't work in heat stroke; this is not a "fever".

Summer prevention here

Drink before you're thirsty, avoid the peak (11–4), and never leave a child in a car even for "a minute" — a closed car jumps 10 degrees in 10 minutes.

This content is for general health education only and is not medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 998.

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