How should you treat someone with heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion develops when heat exposure and sweating lead to loss of fluid and salts. The person may have heavy sweating, thirst, headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, cool clammy skin, or muscle cramps. Dark urine can suggest dehydration. Heat intolerance or unusual difficulty coping with warmth may increase concern, but it does not by itself establish heat exhaustion. A person who is confused, has a seizure, collapses, or has very hot skin may be developing heatstroke, which is an emergency.

Stop exercise or work and take the person indoors or into shade. Remove extra clothing, fan the skin, and use cool wet cloths or a cool shower if safe. Give frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink only when the person is awake, able to swallow, and not vomiting. Stay with them and watch for improvement. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, drowsy, or unconscious, and do not leave an unwell person alone in a hot car.

Call emergency services immediately for confusion, loss of consciousness, seizure, severe breathing difficulty, inability to drink, repeated vomiting, or suspected heatstroke. Get urgent medical advice if symptoms do not improve after moving to a cool place and giving appropriate fluids, or if the person has a serious medical condition, is very young, or is older and frail.

Could medicines or an illness make this person more vulnerable to heat? Which fluid is suitable for them, and how much should they take in small sips? What is our local plan if confusion, fainting, or persistent dizziness develops?