The NHS has issued a warning to the public to call 999 immediately if they notice a specific symptom of heatstroke: hot, red skin that is not sweating. This symptom can be harder to detect on brown or black skin, the health service noted.
With the UK expecting high temperatures this weekend, the NHS emphasised that heat exhaustion can escalate into heatstroke without prompt treatment. While heat exhaustion typically does not require emergency care if the person cools down within 30 minutes, heatstroke is a medical emergency.
Other signs that warrant a 999 call include the person remaining unwell after 30 minutes of rest in a cool place, cooling treatment, and fluid intake. Additional heatstroke symptoms include a fast heartbeat, fast breathing or shortness of breath, confusion, lack of coordination, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness. If the person loses consciousness, the NHS advises placing them in the recovery position while waiting for help.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include tiredness, headache, dizziness, nausea, excessive sweating, pale clammy skin, muscle cramps, and a fast weak pulse. Children may also become irritable. The NHS recommends moving the person to a cool place, laying them down, giving them fluids, and cooling their skin with water or ice packs. They should recover within 30 minutes; if not, call 999.
To prevent heat-related illness, the NHS advises drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding excessive alcohol, wearing light clothing, and staying out of the sun during peak hours. Following these steps helps regulate body temperature and prevent dehydration.
