Heatstroke is when the body is unable to cope with prolonged exposure to heat. This can be as a result of overexertion in hot weather, or because of a fever.

What is it?

Heatstroke is when the body is unable to cope with prolonged exposure to heat. This can be as a result of overexertion in hot weather, or because of a fever.

Older people are more at risk of heatstroke because their bodies can't cope as well with changes in temperature.

Symptoms

• Restlessness
• Headache and dizziness
• Flushed, hot skin
• Raised body temperature

First aid aims

• Lower casualty's body temperature
• Arrange for casualty to go to hospital

Actions

• Lie casualty down
• Wrap in a cold, wet sheet and fan until their temperature falls, then replace wet sheet with a dry one
• Monitor casualty carefully

Further action

If the casualty's temperature rises again, repeat cooling actions.