Heatstroke and heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are different. Recognise changes in awareness and do not delay emergency help or cooling.
Do not wait with emergency symptoms
Confusion, slurred speech, collapse or a seizure in a hot environment may indicate heatstroke. Call 112 immediately in Türkiye and begin cooling the person. Do not wait to measure their temperature or book an appointment.
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Recognise heatstroke
Overheating can injure organs. Heatstroke can develop indoors in hot conditions or during strenuous activity, not only in direct sun. The skin may be dry, but the person may also be sweating heavily.
Cool the person while help arrives
Move the person to a safe shaded or cool place. Remove excess clothing and stay with them.
Wet the skin with cool water and apply cool wet cloths. Continue cooling while help is being arranged and follow the operator’s instructions.
If heatstroke is suspected, do not give food, drinks or medicine by mouth. Monitor responsiveness and breathing and report changes to 112.
Heat exhaustion is different
Heavy sweating, thirst, headache, nausea and weakness can occur with heat exhaustion. Move somewhere cool and get medical assessment. Someone fully alert, able to swallow safely and not vomiting can sip cool water; call 112 for altered awareness or deterioration.
Prepare for hot days
- Plan activities for cooler hours and take breaks in shade or a cool place.
- Do not leave children in vehicles. Check on older adults, infants and others at risk from heat.
- If you have a fluid restriction or take regular medicines, discuss a hot-weather plan with your clinician; do not stop medicines yourself.
Information sources
These sources support general information; they do not confirm our hospital’s services or clinical approval.
This information is general and does not replace individual diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your own situation with your healthcare team.
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