Heat Exhaustion

• Raised body temperature
• Dry mouth and eyes
• Headache
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Pale complexion
• Fatigue, weakness and restlessness
• Poor coordination
• Weak, rapid pulse

What to do

Take immediate action to cool down, including:

• Move to a cool place, lie down, and remove excess clothing.
• Try a cool shower, bath or sponge bath and place a moist, cool cloth on forehead, wrists, sides of neck, underarms and groin area, fan continuously.
• Give small sips of cool water or diluted fruit juice or cordial (1 part juice in 4 parts water).
• If recovery isn’t quick or vomiting occurs, seek emergency medical assistance.

Heat Stroke

This is a more severe and dangerous form of heat-related illness.

• Confusion, poor coordination or slurred speech
• Hot dry skin, possibly not sweating
• Rapid pulse
• Fast and shallow breathing
• Dry, swollen tongue
• Extremely thirsty
• Extreme fatigue
• Headaches
• Fainting
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Seizures or loss of consciousness

What to do

This is a medical emergency - call triple zero 000 immediately, then:

• Check the person’s airway, breathing and pulse – if unconscious, position them on their side and commence CPR if required.
• If possible, move them to a cool place, lie them down and remove excess clothing.
• To cool the body place moist, cool cloths on their forehead, wrists, sides of neck, underarms and groin area and fan continuously.
• Give small sips of fluids if conscious and able to swallow.
• Do not give any medications unless prescribed by a doctor.