Need help right now?
If someone needs immediate help with heat exhaustion, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — After heat exposure, a person is pale, sweaty, dizzy, nauseous, or has a headache but is still alert.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Shade. Fan. Small sips water. Rest. Call 112 if confused or vomiting.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Heavy sweating, weakness, headache, nausea, cool clammy skin.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Normal or slightly elevated temperature with clear confusion absent initially.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Body loses fluid and salt faster than it can replace them in heat.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Can progress to heatstroke if cooling fails.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Stop all activity. Move to shade immediately.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Have them sit or lie down with legs raised slightly.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Fan and wet skin with cool water.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Offer oral rehydration or water in small sips every few minutes.
When and how to get professional help.
Confusion, fainting, or persistent vomiting needs emergency care.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Cool, hydrate orally if conscious, monitor for heatstroke signs.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 if they become confused, stop sweating, or vomit repeatedly.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Heat exhaustion can worsen fast in elderly and children.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT return to work or sport until fully recovered.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT give alcohol or caffeinated drinks.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Cold beer or soda is the best drink in heat exhaustion
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Alcohol and sugar worsen dehydration. Water or ORS are safer.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Worsening dehydration and heat injury.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Cold water rescue
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person was submerged or immersed in cold water and is cold, confused, or not breathing.
Decompression sickness
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — After scuba diving or rapid altitude change, a person has joint pain, rash, weakness, confusion, or breathing trouble.
Heatstroke
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person exposed to extreme heat has hot dry skin, confusion, seizure, or unconsciousness.
Hypothermia
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person exposed to cold is shivering, confused, clumsy, or has stopped shivering.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — IV fluids may be needed if oral hydration fails.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Seek care if symptoms return within hours of rest.