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

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



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

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persistent headache 

• 
thirst 

• 
nausea 

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faintness, dizziness 

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rapid breathing, shortness of breath 

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pale, cool, moist skin 

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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 

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nausea, vomiting 

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visual disturbances 

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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.