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Warning-sign checks

Heat emergencies: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services now if someone exposed to heat has confusion, unusual behaviour, a seizure, severe loss of coordination, collapse, or loss of consciousness.

    Emergency assessment is also needed if the person has difficulty breathing, chest pain, repeated vomiting, signs of shock, or symptoms that are rapidly worsening.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Start cooling immediately while help is being arranged.

    Seek urgent medical advice for suspected heat exhaustion that does not clearly improve after about 30 minutes of rest and active cooling.

    Get advice sooner if the person is pregnant, medically vulnerable, unable to drink safely, or has very little urine.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after heatstroke, a hospital-treated heat illness, repeated episodes, or symptoms that continue after the heat exposure has ended.

    This review can check recovery, medicines, organ function, and plans for returning to heat or exercise.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Heat emergencies. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.