Health experts have advised on the appropriate time to call emergency services if someone becomes unwell in hot weather. Heat stroke poses a serious risk if not addressed promptly.
As the UK faces high temperatures this May, it is crucial to watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has provided safety guidelines for hot weather on the Government website.
When exposed to high temperatures, the body’s heart works harder to circulate blood near the skin’s surface, leading to increased sweating to regulate body temperature.
The UKHSA cautioned that the added strain on the heart and lungs, along with fluid and salt loss, can result in various complications. Dehydration from sweating, coupled with decreased blood pressure due to expanded blood vessels, can lead to serious issues like dizziness, fainting, or heat stroke.
Dehydration can cause heat cramps in muscles due to the loss of essential electrolytes essential for muscle function. This combination, along with symptoms such as headaches, nausea, heavy sweating, and fatigue, indicates heat exhaustion.
While staying hydrated and seeking shade can prevent most symptoms, certain individuals are more vulnerable. If someone displays signs of heat exhaustion, they should be cooled down immediately, as advised by the UKHSA.
Recognizable signs of heat exhaustion, outlined by the NHS, include:
To lower someone’s body temperature, follow four steps that should bring relief within 30 minutes. Stay with the individual until they recover, and if any of the following symptoms manifest, call emergency services:
The UKHSA emphasized that these signs indicate heatstroke, which is a critical medical emergency with fatal potential.
The NHS highlights the increased risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke during hot weather or physical activity. To prevent these conditions, the NHS suggests:
To combat the effects of hot weather indoors, draw curtains, close windows if it is warmer outside, and turn off heat-generating electrical devices. These actions help prevent dehydration and aid in maintaining a cool body temperature.
