Preventing heat stroke in humans

Heatwaves are happening around the world, including the UK, (yes that is right, we are due a heatwave), - thanks to climate change, they're getting hotter and longer.

Heatwaves mean heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses will be on the rise. We have gathered some information from the British Red Cross and the NHS to help you spot heat stroke symptoms, along with tips to prevent heat stroke and what to do when someone you know gets heat stroke.

What is heat stroke?

Heatstroke happens when the body is unable to cool itself by sweating. It can become extremely dangerous and can develop with little warning. A person suffering from it could become unresponsive within minutes of feeling unwell.

What causes heat stroke?

Heat stroke can happen when you're exposed to very high temperatures, especially if you're not used to them.

Exercising in the heat and wearing excess clothing that prevents sweat from evaporating easily. Drinking alcohol and becoming dehydrated by not drinking enough water will increase your chance of heatstroke.

Who's at risk from heat stroke?

Anyone can be at risk from heatstroke, but young children and older people tend to be most at risk. People with certain health conditions are also at greater risk. These include certain chronic illnesses such as heart or lung disease, or diabetes.

What's the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion happens when your body fights to maintain its core temperature - 37.5C. When the surrounding environment is hotter than that, your body grows tired and heat exhaustion sets in.

If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can become heat stroke, which is a lot more serious. 

Preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke

During periods of hot weather and heatwaves it's important that you take care of your health. As well as the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, there are other health risks to be aware of. Make sure you are taking precautions to protect yourself.

• Wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing.
• Protect against sunburn by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature.
• Take extra precautions with certain medications. Be on the lookout for heat-related problems if you take medications that can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.
• Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. If you can't avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical labour for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.
• Get acclimated. Limit time spent working or exercising in heat until you're conditioned to it. People who are not used to hot weather are especially susceptible to heat-related illness. 

suspect heat stroke?

If someone is suffereing from heat stroke, you need to lower their body temperature quickly and get them to a hospital.

• Quickly move them into a cool environment and remove outer clothing. Loosely wrap the person in cold damp clothes or a sheet. Continuously pour cold water over the sheet or clothes. If there is no sheet available, you can also fan them or sponge them with cold water
• Keep cooling them while waiting for help to arrive. If their temperature returns to normal and they no longer feel hot to touch, you can stop cooling them. Replace the wet sheet with a dry one and help them to rest.

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