First aid for heat exhaustion and heatstroke

As heatwaves become more frequent, heat illnesses are increasingly common in Finland too, especially among older people, small children and outdoor workers. Heatstroke is an emergency. This guide explains the differences, first aid and prevention.

You will need

• A phone
• Water to drink and for cooling
• A shady or cool place
• Wet towels or a spray bottle

Steps

1. Recognise heat exhaustion

   In heat exhaustion, the person is tired, sweats heavily and has a headache, nausea or muscle cramps. They are usually still thinking clearly, however.

2. Recognise heatstroke

3. Move them somewhere cool

4. Cool them effectively

5. Give fluids if they can drink

6. Let them rest

7. Monitor their condition

8. Prevent it in future

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