As summer temperatures soar and heatwaves become more common, it's more important than ever to recognise the early signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. These heat-related illnesses can come on suddenly and affect anyone, but they can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Whether you're spending time outdoors, working in hot conditions, or caring for vulnerable people, understanding the warning signs can make all the difference.
What's the Difference Between Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke?
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is your body’s early warning that it’s struggling to cope with heat. It's not usually dangerous if treated quickly, but it can escalate to heatstroke if ignored.
Key signs of heat exhaustion:
Excessive sweating
Feeling faint or dizzy
Headache
Muscle cramps (arms, legs, stomach)
Nausea or vomiting
Clammy skin
Rapid breathing or pulse
Body temperature of 38°C or higher
Intense thirst
Weakness or fatigue
In children: Look for floppiness or unusual sleepiness.
It can develop quickly - especially if you've been:
Exercising or working hard in the heat
Drinking alcohol in the sun
Wearing heavy clothing or gear
Not drinking enough fluids
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. It happens when the body can no longer regulate its temperature, and it continues to rise dangerously, sometimes above 40°C.
Signs of heatstroke to watch for:
No sweating, even though the person feels hot
Confusion, disorientation, or behaving strangely
Shortness of breath or fast breathing
Seizures (fits)
Loss of consciousness
Skin that feels hot and dry
Temperature of 40°C or higher
Unresponsiveness
If someone has these symptoms, call 999 immediately, don’t wait.
What To Do If You Think Someone Has Heat Exhaustion
Acting quickly can prevent heat exhaustion from becoming heatstroke.
Steps to help someone with heat exhaustion:
Move them to a cool place, indoors with air conditioning or at least in the shade.
Loosen or remove excess clothing.
Cool their skin by using a damp sponge, cold packs (neck, armpits), or even a cool, wet sheet.
Fan them while their skin is damp, this boosts cooling.
Give them water to drink, rehydration or sports drinks are also helpful.
Stay with them and monitor how they’re feeling.
They should start to feel better within 30 minutes. If not, or if their condition worsens, suspect heatstroke and get emergency help.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of heat:
Babies and young children - their bodies don't regulate heat as well.
Older adults - especially those with underlying health conditions.
People taking certain medications - like antipsychotics or antidepressants, which can affect heat regulation.
People with chronic conditions - like heart disease or diabetes.
Overweight or obese individuals - excess body fat can interfere with temperature control.
If you're caring for someone in these groups, check in regularly during hot weather.
Preventing Heat Illness
You can reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke with a few simple precautions:
Stay hydrated by drink water regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm).
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
Take regular breaks in a cool or shaded place.
Use fans or air conditioning where possible.
Never leave anyone (including pets) in a parked car in hot weather.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are serious, but preventable. By staying aware, recognising the signs early, and knowing how to act, you can protect yourself and others from danger during extreme heat.
Stay cool, stay hydrated, and don’t ignore the warning signs.
How can we help:
Academy Care, are a domiciliary care company, providing support to individuals whom for reasons of ill health or disability, could benefit from long or short-term domiciliary care services in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own home. Our highly trained, passionate carers, support people daily in their own homes, to optimise both their independence and wellbeing.
We create tailored care plans to meet the needs of all our clients, working with the client, their family and any medical or social services to ensure that the client gets the very best care for them. We also continuously monitor these care plans to ensure that they are up to date with the needs of the client, as needs can change very quickly.
We will work with you, the client’s family to deliver the care, helping to ensure that everyone involved is happy with the care being provided and that the client’s needs are being met through our service.
If you would like to discuss how we can help you, give us a call on 01924 925 244, alternatively look at our services here.
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