In short
- Call 998 for faintness, dizziness or nausea in the heat, hot skin with no sweating, confusion, a seizure or loss of consciousness.
- Heat exhaustion can bring dizziness, headache, nausea, heavy sweating, cramps and intense thirst.
- Move the person somewhere cool, loosen their clothing and cool their skin. If they are no better after 30 minutes, call 998.
- Older people, people with long-term conditions, young children and people working outdoors need extra care.
Warning signs of heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can come on when your body struggles to cool down. The NHS lists these signs:
- Tiredness, dizziness and headache
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Heavy sweating, with pale and clammy skin
- Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- A high temperature
- Being very thirsty
- Feeling irritable
What to do. Move the person to a cool place and remove extra clothing. Give them plenty of water to drink. Spray or sponge their skin with cool water and fan them. Cold packs wrapped in cloth under the armpits or on the neck can also help. Stay with them. The NHS says they should start to feel better within 30 minutes.
For muscle cramps, WHO advises resting somewhere cool and drinking an oral rehydration solution with electrolytes. Get medical help if heat cramps last more than an hour.
Warning signs of heatstroke: call 998
WHO calls heatstroke a potentially fatal medical emergency and warns that delays can lead to severe complications or death. Call 998 if someone in the heat:
- Feels faint, dizzy or sick
- Stops sweating
- Has a very high temperature, or hot skin with no sweat
- Is breathing fast or has a fast heartbeat
- Is confused or restless, or shows signs of delirium
- Has a seizure
- Loses consciousness
You should also call if someone still feels unwell after 30 minutes of rest in a cool place, with cooling and fluids. If you are not sure whether it is heat exhaustion or heatstroke, call.
What to do while you wait for help
- Call 998 first. WHO says to do this before anything else. The number works from anywhere in the UAE.
- Cool them fast. Move them into shade or air conditioning and loosen or remove unnecessary clothing. Apply cold, wet cloths or towels, and use ice packs and fans if you have them. A cold-water bath can help if it is possible and safe.
- Stay with them. Keep watching for signs that they are getting better or worse.
- If they are unconscious, place them on their side.
WHO advises against giving aspirin or paracetamol to someone with heatstroke.
Who is most at risk
WHO highlights older adults and people with heart, breathing, kidney or mental health conditions or diabetes. It also names outdoor and manual workers and athletes, because of the heat they are exposed to. The NHS adds children to the list of people to check on. People living alone or with a disability may need someone to look in on them.
Lowering your risk
- Drink water regularly. WHO suggests about 2 to 3 litres a day, and limiting alcohol and caffeine. If a doctor has told you to limit fluids, ask them what to do in hot weather.
- Avoid hard physical activity during the hottest part of the day, and stay in the shade.
- Wear light, loose clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses outdoors.
- Keep your home cool by closing blinds during the day. WHO advises using fans only when the temperature is below 40°C.
- Never leave children or animals in a parked vehicle.
- Check on neighbours and relatives who may be at risk.
If you work outdoors, MoHRE's midday break bans work under the sun and in open places from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm, from 15 June to 15 September each year, with some exemptions. Employers should provide shaded rest areas, cooling devices, drinking water and first aid equipment at work sites.
After a mild episode, or if you have a long-term condition and want advice for hot weather, you can see a licensed doctor by video through medicAI. Video consultations are for everyday concerns and are not for emergencies. If you suspect heatstroke, call 998.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heatstroke?
Heat exhaustion can cause dizziness, headache, nausea, heavy sweating and thirst, and often improves with cooling and fluids. Heatstroke is a medical emergency that can cause confusion, hot skin with no sweat, seizures or loss of consciousness, so call 998.
When should I call 998 for heat illness?
Call 998 if someone feels faint, dizzy or sick in the heat, stops sweating, becomes confused, has a seizure or loses consciousness. Call as well if they still feel unwell after 30 minutes of rest, cooling and fluids.
What should I do first if I think someone has heatstroke?
Call 998 before anything else, as WHO advises. Then move them somewhere cool, loosen their clothing, and cool them with cold wet cloths, ice packs and fans while you wait for help.
Sources and further reading
- Heat and health (WHO)
- Heatwaves: How to stay cool (WHO)
- What to do if you see signs of heat stroke (WHO)
- Heat exhaustion and heatstroke (NHS)
- Handling emergencies (u.ae)
- The Midday Break (MoHRE)
medicAI is not for emergencies. If someone is seriously ill or injured, call 998 or go to the nearest hospital.
This article is general information. It does not replace advice from a doctor who knows your situation.
