The NHS has issued an urgent warning to UK households, urging them to call 999 immediately if they notice a specific skin symptom during the forecasted heatwave this weekend. With temperatures set to rise across the country, recognising the signs of heatstroke is crucial.
Key Symptom to Watch For
According to the NHS, one critical indicator of heatstroke is skin that feels hot but is not sweating and may appear red. This symptom can be harder to detect on brown and black skin. If you or someone else experiences this, do not hesitate to call 999.
Heat Exhaustion vs. Heatstroke
Heat exhaustion can escalate into heatstroke without prompt treatment. The NHS states that heat exhaustion usually does not require emergency help if you can cool down within 30 minutes. However, if it progresses to heatstroke, it becomes a medical emergency.
When to Call 999
You should call 999 if you or someone else shows signs of heatstroke, including: an extremely high temperature, rapid pulse, fast breathing or shortness of breath, confusion and lack of coordination, seizure or fit, or loss of consciousness. Additionally, if a person remains unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, receiving cooling treatment, and drinking fluids, seek emergency help.
The NHS advises: "Put the person in the recovery position if they lose consciousness while you're waiting for help."
Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Before heatstroke develops, look out for these symptoms of heat exhaustion: tiredness, dizziness, headache, feeling sick or vomiting, cramps in the arms, legs, and stomach, excessive sweating with pale and clammy skin or heat rash, fast breathing or heartbeat, high temperature, extreme thirst, and weakness. The NHS notes that symptoms are similar in adults and children, though children may become irritable.
What to Do for Heat Exhaustion
If someone shows signs of heat exhaustion, cool them down immediately and give them fluids. Follow these four steps:
- Move them to a cool place.
- Remove unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks.
- Give them a sports or rehydration drink, or cool water.
- Cool their skin by spraying or sponging with cool water and fanning them. Cold packs wrapped in a cloth under the armpits or on the neck are also effective.
Stay with them until they recover, which should take about 30 minutes. If they do not improve, call 999.
Preventing Heatstroke
To reduce the risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke during hot weather or exercise, the NHS recommends:
- 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.
- If indoors on a hot day, close curtains, close windows if it is hotter outside, and turn off electrical equipment and lights that generate heat.
Following this advice also helps prevent dehydration and supports the body in regulating its temperature.
