Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is caused by a loss of salt and water from the body because of excessive sweating in hot weather. This is a dangerous condition that demands an immediate response.

Symptoms may include:

– Headache

– Dizziness and confusion

– Loss of appetite

– Nausea

– Sweating with pale skin

– Cramps in the arms, legs and the abdominal wall

– Rapid, weakening pulse

Treatment:

Your aims are to replace any lost body fluids and salt, to cool the body, if necessary, and to obtain medical help.

– Help the person to move to a cool place

– Sponge with water and use fan

– Get him/her to lie down with their legs raised

– Give him/her plenty of water

– Follow if possible with a weak salt solution – one teaspoon of salt per litre of water

– If the person’s responses deteriorate, place him/her into the recovery position and call a doctor immediately

– Monitor and record any vital signs – the level of response, the pulse and breathing rate