How To Treat Heat Exhaustion, Heatstroke and Sunstroke

Heatstroke, Heat Exhaustion, Sunstroke.

Different terms for the same condition? Is one worse than the other? How do you recognise the signs and symptoms and how do you treat it? 

With summer temperatures on the rise, even in County Durham and across the North- East, being able to recognise and treat heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and sunstroke can prevent a medical emergency.

Here's a breakdown of what each of these conditions are, who is susceptible to it, what to look out for and how to treat it.

Heat Exhaustion vs Heatstroke vs Sunstroke – What Do They Mean?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are key differences:

• Heat Exhaustion happens when your body struggles to cool itself after prolonged exposure to high temperatures. It's serious, but treatable if caught early.
• Heatstroke is a medical emergency. It occurs when the body’s temperature rises dangerously high (over 40°C) and the brain’s thermostat fails. Heatstroke can occur whether indoors or outdoors.
• Sunstroke is another term for heatstroke, typically used when the cause is direct sun exposure.

Whether indoors or outdoors, heatstroke and sunstroke are life-threatening and need urgent first aid and professional medical help.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Anyone can be affected by heat-related conditions, but the following groups are especially vulnerable:

• Babies and young children
• Older adults
• People with chronic health conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, respiratory issues)
• Outdoor workers or those in hot indoor environments

Causes of Heat Exhaustion, Heatstroke and Sunstroke

·      Being exposed to very hot temperatures, especially if you’re not used to them.

·      Spending too much time in intense heat, particularly between 11am & 3pm.

·      Exercising in extreme heat 

·      Poor ventilation indoors

·      Wearing too much clothing, or clothing that does not allow sweat to evaporate

·      Allowing dehydration to occur in the heat

·      Drinking alcohol and becoming dehydrated in the heat

How to Recognise Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms include:

• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Pale, clammy skin
• Confusion or irritability

 Act fast – if left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke.

First Aid for Heat Exhaustion

1. Move the person to a cool, shaded place.
2. Encourage them to lie down and rest.
3. Give plenty of fluids – ideally water or an isotonic drink to replace lost salts.
4. Seek medical advice, even if they recover quickly.
5. If symptoms worsen, call 999 immediately.

Signs of Heatstroke or Sunstroke

This is a medical emergency. Call 999 if you see any of the following:

• Body temperature over 40°C
• Hot, flushed, dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid pulse
• Headache
• Dizziness or confusion
• Loss of responsiveness or fainting
• Restlessness or irritability

Treatment of Heatstroke or Sunstroke

·      Call 999 immediately

·      Move the person to a cool environment

·      Remove unnecessary clothing

·      Cool the person down by spraying cool (not cold) water continuously over the body or using a fan, or a damp sponge.

·      Keep cooling them until help arrives. If their temperature returns to normal, you can stop the cooling process, but you must continue to monitor their condition closely.

Want to Feel Even More Prepared?

At Help! First Aid Training, we run regular first aid courses at our training centre in Shildon Business Centre, County Durham, whatever the weather!

We can also deliver onsite training at your workplace. Whether you're a parent, carer, employer or employee, our courses are designed to make you feel confident in an emergency.

We offer a variety of courses, including:

·       First Aid at Work

·       Emergency First Aid at Work

·       Paediatric First Aid

·       Basic Life Support

If you're in the construction industry, you may be eligible for a CITB grant covering up to 70% of training costs.

Visit: www.citb.co.uk

For more advice, or to make a booking, please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!

Visit:www.helpfirsaidtraining.co.uk
Email: info@helpfirstaidtraining.co.uk
Call: 01388 417303