Extreme heat can be dangerous. It particularly affects elderly people, babies and children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. People who live in urban areas and on the top floors of buildings can be especially vulnerable.

Heat exhaustion first aid

• Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down in 30 minutes.
• It happens when someone has been in the sun or heat for a long time and loses too much fluid and salt from sweating.
• Symptoms include loss of colour in skin tone, sweating, a headache, dizziness, and feeling sick. 
• Help the person get to a cool place to rest.
• Get them plenty of water to drink.
• Isotonic sports drinks will help them replace salts lost through sweating. 

Heatstroke first aid

• Heatstroke can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
• It is caused when someone becomes dangerously overheated. 
• Symptoms include hot or flushed skin, a headache, dizziness, confusion, or being unresponsive. 
• Call 999 immediately. Quickly move the person to a cool environment.
• Remove outer clothing, loosely wrap them in damp clothes or sponge them with water.