The NHS has issued a critical 30-minute health guideline for the UK heatwave. If symptoms of heat exhaustion do not improve within this window, individuals are advised to call 999 immediately. The Met Office has issued an extreme heat warning from Monday through Thursday, with temperatures expected to surpass 35°C and peak at 38°C on Wednesday and Thursday.
What is Heatstroke?
Heatstroke is a life-threatening medical emergency where the body overheats and loses its ability to regulate core temperature. It often follows heat exhaustion, which is less severe but requires prompt action.
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms
Symptoms include tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, excessive sweating with pale clammy skin (harder to see on brown or black skin), cramps in arms, legs, and stomach, high temperature, intense thirst, and irritability.
First Aid for Heat Exhaustion
The NHS advises moving the person to a cool place, removing unnecessary clothing, giving plenty of water (or isotonic sports drink or oral rehydration powder), cooling the skin with water spray or sponging and fanning, applying cold packs wrapped in cloth under armpits or on the neck, and staying with them until they recover. “They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes,” the NHS states.
When to Call 999
Call 999 immediately if signs of heatstroke appear: still unwell after 30 minutes of cooling, very high temperature, hot skin without sweating (redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin), fast heartbeat, fast breathing or shortness of breath, confusion, lack of coordination, seizure or fit, or loss of consciousness.
Additional Advice
Call 111 if heat exhaustion symptoms are difficult to treat or for guidance. The Met Office warns that health risks apply to everyone, not just vulnerable groups. For more details, visit the NHS website.
