Heat emergency

Assessment of a heat emergency

Important points to observe:

• Head is red and feels hot
• Signs of dizziness, weakness, and lightheadedness
• Head pain
• Symptoms of nausea and vomiting
• Pain or stiffness in the neck area
• Loud crying and refusal of fluids in babies

What measures should you take?

• Stay calm and take the child to a cooler or shaded environment
• Watch for signs of a possible collapse and have the child sit down to avoid fall risks due to dizziness
• Cool the body with damp, cold cloths (wrap a cold pack in a cloth)
• Remove warm clothing or diapers
• If the child is conscious and not nauseous, let them drink cold beverages

If the child’s condition does not improve after about 20 minutes despite cooling measures, or worsens—especially if they lose consciousness—call emergency services 112 immediately!