St John Ambulance CCA Graded A+
Symptoms of heat exhaustion? 1. Headache
2. Dizziness and confusion
3. Loss of appetite and feeling sick
4. Sweating with pale clammy skin
5. Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
6. Fast, weakening pulse and shallow breathing
You suspect Heat Exhaustion...
You suspect Heat Exhaustion, what actions do you take? ✅Danger
Alert control
Lie down - legs raised
>Cool if able
>Provide water/lucozade/oral rehydration solution
>Check observations (temp, pulse, breathing)
If losing consciousness, place in recovery position/call 999.
>Be aware of heat stroke!
Even if symptoms alleviate, advise to go see Doctor.
What may cause heat exhaustion? ✅Loss of salt and water from body, through excessive sweating.
May be caused by exercise, drugs (ectasy), high temperatures, dehydration.
What is heat stroke? ✅Inability to regulate body temperature, leading to dangerously overheated body.
May be due to prolonged exposure to heat, high fever, drugs (ecstasy), heat exhaustion (body not
cooled quick enough).
Can develop with little warning and cause unconsciousness within minutes.
Symptoms of heat stroke... ✅1. Headache, dizziness and discomfort
, 2. Restlessness and confusion
3. Hot flushed and dry skin
4. A fast deterioration in the level of response
5. A full bounding pulse
6. Body temperature above 40°C (104°F)
You suspect heat stroke, what steps do you take? ✅Priority = to cool them and get them to hospital
>Move to cool place, remove outer clothing
>Call 999
>Wrap them in a cold wet sheet and keep pouring cold water over it until their temperature falls to at
least 38°C (or 100.4°F). If no sheet, fan them or cool them with a sponge. Measure this with a
thermometer under their tongue or under their armpit. Be aware of over-cooling!!!
>Once their temperature seems to have gone back to normal, replace the wet sheet with a dry sheet.
> While waiting for help to arrive, keep checking their temperature, as well as their breathing, pulse and
level of response.
>If they start getting hot again, repeat the cooling process to lower their temperature.
>If they lose responsiveness at any point, open their airway, check their breathing and prepare to treat
someone who's become unresponsive.
What is hypothermia? (&causes) ✅Hypothermia happens when someone's body temperature drops
below 35°C (95°F). Normal body temperature is around 37°C (98. 6°F). Can be fatal if below 30°C.
Hypothermia is usually caused by being in a cold environment for a long time. This could be from staying
outdoors in cold conditions, falling into cold water, or from living in a poorly heated house. Elderly
people, babies, homeless people and anyone who is thin and frail or not able to move around easily are
particularly vulnerable.
Symptoms of hypothermia ✅1 .Shivering, cold, pale, and dry skin
2. Tiredness, confusion, and irrational behaviour
3. Slow and shallow breathing
4. Slow and weakening pulse
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