Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a condition when the body overheats due to a loss of water and body salts through excessive sweating.
This can be brought on by being exposed to high temperatures. It is not usually serious if the body is cooled down within 30 minutes. Without treatment heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke which is a life-threatening condition.
Recognition
- Heavy sweating
- Thirsty
- Rapid pulse
- Urinating less, urine is darker than usual
- A high temperature of 38°C or above
- Tiredness and weakness
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Becoming floppy and sleepy
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle cramps in arms, legs and stomach
- Pale, sweaty skin
Treatment
- Move the child to a cool, shaded area and lay them down
- Remove excessive clothing
- Give the child fluids such as water, oral rehydration solutions or isotonic drinks are good as they replace lost body salts
- Babies under 6 months old might want to feed more often. They don’t need to be offered water.
- Cool their skin with a cold, wet sponge or flannel, Focus on the neck and armpits
- Once the skin is moist you can fan it which will help cool them quicker
- Monitor and record vital signs
- You should see signs of recovery within 30 minutes
- Call 999/112 for emergency help if vital signs do not improve