Even when you are enjoying the sunshine it is important to protect and look after yourself such as by drinking more water. There are several heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. This post will be focusing on how to treat heat exhaustion, looking at the signs of heat exhaustion, how to prevent it, as well as how to treat it. 

Heat exhaustion is the way the body responds to a loss of water and body salts through excessive sweating. It occurs when the core boy temperature raises above 38°C and if heat exhaustion is not treated it can quickly lead to a heat stroke. 

 

In 2018, NHS statistics show that nearly 3000 people ended up in hospital with heat-related problems.

 

NHS Statistics show that nearly 3000 people ended up in hospital in Summer last year (2018) with heat-related problems- with 632 people with severe sunburn, 100 cases of heat exhaustion, and 223 cases of heatstroke. Looking at the statistics it is important to know how to prevent heat exhaustion and how to cool someone down if you need to, there are different ways that you can ensure that you stay cool and avoid heat exhaustion.  

 

SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION

Here are some of the signs of heat exhaustion to look out for:

• Headache and dizziness

• Very thirsty or dehydrated

• Sweating or clammy skin

• Confusion

• Having a high temperature 

 

HOW TO PREVENT HEAT EXHAUSTION

Here are some of the ways to prevent heat exhaustion:

• Drink plenty of fluids 

• Take cool showers or baths

• Wear light coloured clothes

• Avoid extreme exercise

• Do not drink alcohol

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HOW TO TREAT HEAT EXHAUSTION

You can treat heat exhaustion by cooling the person down. What to do to cool someone down:

• Move them to a cool place

• Lie them down with their legs slightly raised

• Ensure they are drinking plenty of water

• Try to cool down their skin by wiping it down with cool water or spray

 

They should cool down within 30 minutes, after this call 999 if they still displaying signs of heat exhaustion or the following:

• They have a fit or seizure

• They are unresponsive

 

Continue to administer First Aid and if they are unconscious put them in the recovery position.

 

FIRST AID TRAINING 

For further information on heat exhaustion and heatstrokes go to the NHS page. If you would like to become a First Aider feel free to check out the First Aid courses that we offer, as we offer a range of courses to suit your workplaces First Aid requirements such as the Level 3 First Aid at Work (RQF) Course and the Level 3 Paediatric First Aid (RQF) Course. If you would like to know the differences between the course then go to the differences between the First Aid Courses blog post. 

 

If you need any help with deciding which course is suitable for you or help with booking on one of our courses, please get in touch with us today.