Do you know how to Save the Life of Someone Who Collapses from Extreme Heat?

These are important first aid steps that everyone should know.

On very hot days, people who spend long periods in the sun—especially schoolchildren and outdoor workers—can develop a serious condition called heatstroke.

Early Warning Signs

If someone near you is exposed to the sun and experiences:

• Headache, dizziness, or feeling faint
• Excessive thirst and heavy sweating
• Nausea
• Muscle cramps

take these symptoms seriously. They may be developing a heat-related illness and are at risk of collapsing.

What You Should Do

• Move the person to a shaded or cool place.
• Encourage them to drink water if they are fully awake and able to swallow safely.
• Remove unnecessary or tight clothing.
• Cool the body by wiping the skin with wet cloths or fanning them.
• Let the person rest while staying with them and monitor their condition.
• Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.

What Happens If They Stay in the Heat?

Without prompt care, the condition can progress to heatstroke, a life-threatening medical emergency.

A person with heatstroke may develop:

• Slurred speech or confusion
• Shaking, seizures, or convulsions
• Vomiting
• Loss of consciousness

What to Do in a Heatstroke Emergency

Because heatstroke is a medical emergency:

• Call an ambulance or seek emergency medical care immediately.
• While waiting for help:
  • Move the person to a shaded or cool area.
  • Remove unnecessary clothing.
  • Start cooling the body as quickly as possible.

If available:

• Immerse the person's body in cool water, such as in a bathtub or large basin.
• Or apply cool, wet cloths or ice packs to the body.
• Place the person in front of a fan to increase cooling.

Do not give water or any fluids to someone who is drowsy, confused, or unconscious, as they may choke or inhale the liquid into their lungs.

Rapid cooling combined with urgent transport to a hospital can significantly improve the person's chances of survival and reduce the risk of serious complications.