Heat Exhaustion – How to Treat a Casualty

Hot weather can easily lead to a hot working environment. This type of environment may trigger heat exhaustion and, in severe circumstances, heat stroke. Heat exhaustion occurs when there is a loss of water and salt through excessive sweating. Physical exercise can also cause heat exhaustion. Heat stroke is a serious condition where sweating will stop as the body becomes too hot. This can lead to unconsciousness and can even be fatal.

Tips to stay cool this summer

• Use fans, air conditioning units and try to block out light coming through windows to create shade
• Drink plenty of clear fluid to stay hydrated
• Use a water spray to cool down
• Try to avoid protein-rich food as an increased metabolism raises your body temperature

If you recognise any signs of heat exhaustion or stoke, you should immediately stop any physical activity, move to a cooler environment and shed any unnecessary layers of clothing.

Heat exhaustion treatment

1. Move the casualty to a cooler environment
2. Lay them down and raise their legs
3. Remove excess clothing
4. Give the casualty a cool drink
5. Monitor ABC’s (airway, breathing, circulation)

Heat stroke treatment

1. Move the casualty to a cooler environment
2. Remove excess clothing
3. Wrap the casualty in a wet sheet
4. Fan and wet sponge the casualty
5. Monitor ABC’s
6. Call 999/112
7. Place in recovery position if casualty appears unconscious