UK heatwave: How to spot the signs of heatstroke and what to do

With seven days of Spanish-style sun set to send UK temperatures soaring into the 30s by the end of the week, it’s important to look out for the very serious signs of heatstroke - and how to treat it.

Of course we all love the sunshine, but too much of it can pose a major risk to our health.

Heatstroke is simply where the body loses its ability to regulate temperature, causing it to dangerously overheat.

Scarily, it can happen within minutes and lead to unconsciousness.

A sufferer can experience a headache, seem restless, confused and also become dizzy.

Without proper treatment, heatstroke can damage the brain, heart, kidneys and even muscles.

As such, it can be very dangerous and require emergency treatment, so it is important to know the signs.

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Heatstroke symptoms

Before heatstroke happens we can experience what’s known as ‘heat exhaustion’, which is less serious and usually gets better if the person simply cools down.

But this can lead to heatstroke, which is an emergency that requires medical attention.

The NHS says signs of heat exhaustion include:

• Dizziness and confusion

• Headache

• Loss of appetite and feeling sick

• Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach

• Excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin

• Fast breathing or pulse

• Temperature of 38C or above

• Intense thirst

The NHS warns a person may be suffering from heatstroke if they:

• Are still suffering from symptoms after half an hour

• Have a temperature that has risen to 40C or above

• Are not sweating even though they are too hot

• Feel hot and dry

• Have rapid or shortness of breath

• Lose consciousness

• Appear confused

• Have a fit or seizure

• Are unresponsive

We all love the sunshine, but too much of it can pose a major risk to our health. (Getty Images)

Five things to remember if someone has heatstroke

1. Make sure the sufferer is in a cool place, which is usually indoors. Failing that, some shade will suffice – anything that gets the affected person out of direct sunlight.

2. Remove as much of their outer clothing as possible, then call for an ambulance. Try to keep them as cool as possible while waiting.

3. Cover the person in a cool, wet sheet and keep topping it up. If possible, take their temperature at regular intervals until it has fallen to 38C (100.4F).

4. Once their temperature has fallen to this level, discard the wet sheet and replace with a dry one.

5. The experience can be distressing for the patient, so it’s important to reassure them until help arrives.

How best to prevent heatstroke

When the weather is hot, there’s an increased risk of being struck down by heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Thankfully, preventing it is relatively straightforward.

• Wear light, loose clothes

• Drink plenty of cold drinks, especially if you are exercising

• Avoid venturing out in the sun during the hottest time of the day, which is 11am and 3pm

• Take cool showers

• Avoid drinking too much alcohol

• Avoid extreme exercise