The very elderly and the seriously ill are most at risk but people at the peak of physical fitness can still succumb, particularly if they are under extreme physical exertion.
The main threat is dehydration - as we overheat we can soon lose more fluid than we take in.
The body can no longer cool itself and our core temperature, which should be a stable 37C, rises.
At 40C the cells inside the body begin to break down and the body starts to malfunction.
It even stops being able to sweat, leading to more overheating.
The heart rate and breathing rate speed up and the person may fit, hallucinate or become unconscious.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency that needs urgent treatment.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency and should be treated immediately. Dial 999 to request an ambulance if you suspect heatstroke.
While you're waiting for an ambulance to arrive, make sure that the person is as cool as possible. Move them to a cool area as quickly as possible, remove excess clothing and try to cool them by fanning them. If they're conscious, give them cool, not cold, water to drink.
If a person with heat exhaustion is taken quickly to a cool place, is given water to drink and has their excess clothing removed, they should begin to feel better within half an hour and have no long-term complications.
Without treatment, they could develop heatstroke.
Certain groups are more at risk of developing heatstroke or suffering complications from dehydration, and should be taken to hospital. This includes:
- children under two years old
- very elderly people
- people with kidney, heart or circulation problems
- people with diabetes who use insulin
Avoiding heat exhaustion and heatstroke
There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke during a heatwave:- Stay out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day, particularly between 11am and 3pm.
- If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat.
- Don't leave anyone in a parked car.
- Avoid extreme physical exertion.
- Have plenty of cold drinks, but avoid drinks that contain caffeine and alcohol.
- Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content.
- Take a cool shower, bath or body wash.
- Sprinkle water over your skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck.
- Keep your environment cool.
Read more about how to prepare for a heatwave.
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