How To Help Sunstroke

Learn how to recognise, treat, and prevent sunstroke. Stay safe in the heat with tips on hydration, cooling down, and first aid skills that could save lives.

 

Introduction

Feeling dizzy, hot, or faint after being out in the sun? You could be dealing with sunstroke. Despite what you might think, sunstroke is a medical emergency, and if left untreated, it can cause confusion, loss of consciousness or even organ damage. Anyone can suffer from sunstroke, but children, older adults, and people spending long hours working or exercising outdoors are at higher risk.

In this guide, we’ll break down what sunstroke is, what causes it, the symptoms to watch out for in adults and children, and the best ways to treat and prevent it. Knowing what to do if someone has sunstroke and being able to provide immediate first aid care to them can make all the difference. Acting quickly isn’t just important—it can prevent serious complications, protect your health, and in severe cases, save your life.

 

What is Sunstroke?

Sunstroke, sometimes called heatstroke, is a serious condition that happens when your body overheats due to prolonged exposure to the sun or high temperatures. Your body normally cools itself through sweating, but if it can’t keep up, your core temperature rises to dangerous levels.

It’s more than just feeling hot or uncomfortable – it’s a medical emergency. Sunstroke can affect your brain, organs, and other vital systems, and without quick treatment, it can be life-threatening. Understanding the sunstroke causes can help you prevent it. There are two main types:

• Classic sunstroke: Usually affects children, older adults, or those with chronic illnesses during prolonged heat exposure.
• Exertional sunstroke: More common in healthy adults who overexert themselves in the heat, such as athletes or outdoor workers.

Knowing what sunstroke is and how it develops can help you spot it early and take action before it becomes serious.

 

Sunstroke Causes

Sunstroke happens when your body overheats and can’t cool down properly. This usually occurs in hot weather, but there are specific factors that make it more likely:

• Prolonged exposure to the sun: Spending hours outdoors without shade can push your body past its cooling limit.
• High temperatures and humidity: Hot, humid days make it harder for sweat to evaporate and cool you down.
• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water reduces your body’s ability to regulate temperature.
• Physical exertion: Activities like exercising, working outdoors, or playing sports in the heat increase your risk.
• Age and health conditions: Young children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses or certain medications are more vulnerable.

By understanding the main sunstroke causes, you can take simple steps to stay safe, like staying hydrated, taking breaks in the shade, and avoiding strenuous activity in extreme heat. Knowing the causes also helps you recognise the early sunstroke symptoms, which we’ll cover next, so you can act fast if someone shows signs.

 

Sunstroke Symptoms

Recognising sunstroke symptoms early is key to preventing serious complications. Symptoms can vary depending on age and the severity of the condition, but common signs include:

Symptoms of sunstroke in adults:

• High body temperature (above 40°C / 104°F)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heartbeat or breathing
• Confusion, agitation, or slurred speech
• Hot, dry skin or heavy sweating

Sunstroke in kids:

Children will likely show many of the same symptoms as adults, may also show slightly different symptoms, including:

• Fussiness, irritability, or unusual sleepiness
• Flushed skin or unusually hot body
• Increased thirst
• Dizziness or unsteady walking

Keep in mind that some symptoms, like confusion or loss of consciousness, indicate a medical emergency. If you notice any severe signs, it’s crucial to act immediately. Recognising sunstroke symptoms early can make all the difference—spotting the signs quickly gives you the best chance to cool down the body, prevent complications, and get medical help if needed. 

 

How to Help Sunstroke

If you suspect someone is suffering from sunstroke, acting quickly is crucial. Here’s what to do:

• Move them to a cooler place: Get them out of direct sunlight and into a shaded or air-conditioned area.
• Cool the body: Use cool (not icy) water, damp cloths, or a fan to lower their body temperature. Applying cold packs to the neck, armpits, and groin can also help.
• Hydrate carefully: Offer small sips of water or an electrolyte drink if they’re conscious and able to swallow. Avoid alcohol or caffeine.
• Loosen clothing: Remove tight or heavy clothing to help the body cool down faster.
• Monitor symptoms: Keep a close eye on their temperature, breathing, and responsiveness.They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes.

When to Call an Ambulance:

You should call an ambulance if they show signs of sunstroke that don’t improve after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, being cooled down, and drinking fluids. However, it is important to use your instincts here. If you’re worried about someone within that 30 minute period, call 111 and ask for advice. If they are concerned, they can send an ambulance straight to you, or offer 

Other warning signs include a very high temperature, hot skin that isn’t sweating (which may appear red, though this can be harder to see on brown and black skin), a fast heartbeat, rapid breathing or shortness of breath, confusion or lack of coordination, seizures or fits, or loss of consciousness. 

If the person loses consciousness while waiting for help, place them in the recovery position and continue to monitor them closely until emergency services arrive. Acting quickly in these situations can be life-saving.

 

Treatment for Sunstroke

If sunstroke is severe enough to require hospital treatment, medical staff will take steps to stabilise the person and prevent complications. This can include:

• Rapid cooling: Using advanced methods such as cooling blankets, ice packs, or chilled IV fluids to bring the body temperature down safely.
• Intravenous (IV) fluids: To rehydrate the patient quickly and restore electrolyte balance, especially if they’ve been vomiting or unable to drink.
• Monitoring vital signs and organ function: Doctors will check the heart, kidneys, and other organs to make sure no serious damage has occurred.
• Ongoing observation: Patients may need to stay in hospital until their temperature stabilises and they are fully alert, coordinated, and able to drink fluids safely.

Hospital treatment ensures that severe sunstroke is managed safely and effectively, reducing the risk of long-term complications.

 

How To Prevent Sunstroke

Even after sunstroke has been treated, the body needs time to fully recover. It’s important to get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activity for several days, while continuing to stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks to replace fluids lost during the episode. Keep an eye on lingering symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, headaches, or heat sensitivity, and seek medical advice if they persist. 

When returning to outdoor or physical activities, do so gradually and avoid the hottest parts of the day. Taking these precautions, along with wearing light clothing, using sunscreen, and taking regular cool-down breaks, can help ensure a safe recovery and reduce the risk of sunstroke happening again. Check out our ‘how to stay safe in the sun’ blog for more advice.

 

Conclusion

Sunstroke is more serious than just feeling overheated, but with quick action, proper care, and some sensible precautions, most people recover fully. Being first aid trained can also make a huge difference, as it equips you with the skills and confidence to act quickly and help someone suffering from sunstroke before professional medical help arrives. By staying hydrated, keeping cool, and protecting yourself in the sun, you can enjoy the warmer weather safely – and keep sunstroke firmly out of the picture.

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