Heat exhaustion and heatstroke (NHS)

Tier 1: Established: peer-reviewed research or government health authority
Publisher: National Health Service · Published: August 15, 2026 · Accessed: August 15, 2026

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Claims this source supports

• Symptoms of heat exhaustion include tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea, excessive sweating with pale clammy skin, cramps, a high temperature, thirst, and irritability; someone showing these signs needs to be cooled down and given fluids.
• Cooling steps: move to a cool place, remove unnecessary clothing, drink plenty of water (an isotonic sports drink or oral rehydration powder helps replace salt lost through sweating), and cool the skin with water spray or sponging plus fanning; cold packs wrapped in cloth under the armpits or on the neck also help.
• Heatstroke symptoms – a very high temperature, hot skin without sweating, fast breathing and heartbeat, confusion, seizure, or loss of consciousness – are a medical emergency requiring immediate help (call 999).
• Get NHS 111 advice if heat exhaustion symptoms are difficult to treat or you need advice; call 999 if someone is still unwell after 30 minutes of resting cool, being cooled, and drinking fluids.