What should you know about signs and symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion develops when the body loses fluid and salt through heat and sweating. Signs can include heavy sweating, pale or clammy skin, thirst, headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea and dark urine. Heat stroke is more severe: confusion, unusual behaviour, collapse, seizures or unconsciousness can occur, and sweating may be present or absent. Heat intolerance can increase vulnerability, particularly during strenuous activity or prolonged heat.

Move the person to shade or a cool room, remove unnecessary outer clothing, and cool the skin with water, fans or cool cloths. If they are awake and able to swallow, offer small sips of cool fluid. Stop activity and stay with them. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, drowsy, having a seizure or unable to swallow. Continue cooling while arranging help if severe symptoms are present.

Call emergency services immediately for confusion, collapse, seizure, loss of consciousness, severe breathing difficulty or suspected heat stroke. Do not delay because the person is sweating. Get medical advice if heat-exhaustion symptoms do not improve promptly after cooling and fluids, or if vomiting prevents drinking. Dehydration can worsen quickly, especially in children, older adults and people with chronic illness.

Ask when it is safe to return to exercise or outdoor work, how to replace fluids safely, whether medicines increase heat risk, and what personal warning signs should trigger early cooling. Ask about prevention during future hot weather.