Experts in health have provided guidance on when to contact emergency services if someone becomes unwell in hot conditions. Heat stroke can be a serious condition if not addressed promptly.
Given the high temperatures witnessed in the UK this May, it is crucial to stay vigilant for any indications of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has shared advice on staying safe during hot weather on the official government website.
The heart has to work harder to circulate blood near the skin’s surface in response to elevated temperatures, according to health experts. Additionally, the body increases perspiration to regulate its internal temperature.
However, the UKHSA cautioned that the increased workload on the heart and lungs, coupled with fluid and salt loss, can lead to various issues. The loss of fluids through sweating, along with reduced blood pressure due to dilated blood vessels, can result in severe complications such as dizziness, fainting, or heat stroke.
Symptoms such as muscle cramps, induced by the depletion of essential electrolytes responsible for muscle function, may manifest as dehydration worsens. This cluster of symptoms, including headaches, nausea, profuse sweating, and fatigue, is termed heat exhaustion.
Most individuals can avoid these symptoms by hydrating adequately and seeking shade. However, specific groups face a higher risk, including:
In case someone exhibits signs of heat exhaustion, it is important to cool them down, as advised by the UKHSA. The NHS has outlined signs of heat exhaustion, which include:
There are four steps recommended to lower someone’s body temperature, leading to an improvement in their condition within approximately 30 minutes:
The UKHSA recommends staying with the individual until they recover and calling emergency services if the person displays the following symptoms:
The UKHSA emphasized that these are signs of heatstroke, a medical emergency that can be fatal.
The NHS highlights a high risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke during hot weather or physical activity. To prevent these conditions, the NHS recommends:
If indoors on a hot day, it is advised to draw curtains, close windows if the external temperature is higher, and turn off heat-generating electrical devices and lights. These measures help prevent dehydration and assist the body in staying cool.
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