Heat exhaustion
What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is caused by a loss of salt and water through sweating too much. It usually develops gradually.
What can cause heat exhaustion?
Anything which causes the body to lose a lot of salt and water may result in heat exhaustion. Some of the more common causes are:
- Not being used to hot, humid conditions (for example, a person who is visiting a hot, humid area from a cooler, milder climate)
- Being dehydrated as a result of illness (through vomiting and diarrhoea) Taking drugs which result in very high body temperature, such as Ecstasy.
How can you tell that someone has heat exhaustion?
He or she may have:
- a headache
- pale, cold, sweaty skin
- a fast, weak pulse
- fast, shallow breathing
- nausea and may vomit
- thirst
- muscle cramps.
- He or she may feel giddy or dizzy (unsteady).
- His or her level of consciousness may get worse, and the casualty may become unconscious.
Your actions:
As always, assess D R A B and respond as needed.
Help the casualty to a cool place.
Lie the casualty down, and raise his or her feet so that more blood goes to the brain.
Give plenty of water, supporting the casualty’s head if necessary. If possible, give a weak salt solution (a half a teaspoon
salt to one litre of water).
If the casualty becomes unconscious place in the recovery position. Be prepared to resuscitate.
Try to get medical help.
Remember to keep checking the casualty’s vital signs and writing down (or remembering) what you found and what you did, so that you can report this to any health worker who takes over from you.
Words you need to know
- Resuscitate
- restart breathing or heart beat by using CPR
