# Heat-induced illnesses • If a person with heat exhaustion is not managed appropriately, they can develop heat stroke.

• Heat stroke is potentially life-threatening and immediate medical aid is needed.

Heat exhaustion Signs and symptoms • feeling hot, exhausted, weak, fatigued

• persistent headache

• thirst

• nausea

• faintness, dizziness

• rapid breathing, shortness of breath

• pale, cool, moist skin

• rapid, weak pulse

What to do 1 Move the patient to a cool place with circulating air. 2 Help the patient to sit or lie down in a comfortable position. 3 Remove unnecessary clothing from the patient, and loosen any tight clothing. 4 Sponge the patient with cold water. 5 Give the patient cool water to drink. 6 Seek medical aid if the patient vomits or does not recover quickly.

Heat stroke Signs and symptoms • high body temperature of 40°C or more

• flushed, dry skin

• pounding, rapid pulse that gradually weakens

• headache and irritability

• nausea, vomiting

• visual disturbances

• faintness, dizziness, confusion

• loss of consciousness

• seizures

What to do 1 Follow DRSABCD. 2 Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. 3 Move the patient to a cool place with circulating air. 4 Help the patient to sit or lie down in a comfortable position. 5 Remove almost all the patient’s clothing, and loosen any tight clothing. 6 Apply a cold pack to areas of large blood vessels such as the neck, groin and armpits, to accelerate cooling. 7 If possible, cover the patient with a wet sheet and fan to increase air circulation. Stop cooling when the patient feels cold to touch. 8 If patient is fully conscious and is able to swallow, give them cool water to sip.