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Warning-sign checks

Heat intolerance: 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 if heat exposure is followed by:

    • Confusion, unusual behaviour, or trouble speaking
    • Fainting, collapse, or a seizure
    • Loss of consciousness
    • Very hot skin with severe illness
    • Chest pain or serious difficulty breathing

    These can be signs of heat stroke or another emergency.

    While waiting for help, move to a cooler place, remove excess clothing, and cool the skin with water, cool cloths, or fans.

    Do not give drinks to someone who is confused or unconscious.

    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

    Seek same-day medical advice if you develop dizziness, headache, nausea, marked weakness, or cramps that do not improve after about 30 minutes in a cool place with rest and fluids.

    Repeated vomiting or a new inability to sweat while overheating also needs prompt assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if heat intolerance is new, keeps returning, is getting worse, or interferes with sleep, work, exercise, or daily activities.

    Also make an appointment if it comes with unexplained weight loss, persistent tremor, frequent palpitations, major changes in sweating, or new menstrual changes.

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