Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness

Heat-related illness

Early symptoms may include:

These symptoms often improve with rest, cooling and drinking water.

Heat exhaustion develops when early symptoms worsen or are not treated.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include:

Move to a cool place, lie down and remove excess clothing.
Cool the body with a cool shower or bath and place cool, wet cloths on the forehead, wrists, sides of neck, underarms and groin area.
Give small sips of cool water or diluted fruit juice or cordial (1 part juice in 4 parts water).

Call Triple Zero (000) if the person becomes unconscious or starts vomiting.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency and a severe form of heat-related illness.

Symptoms may include:

This is a medical emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

While waiting for help:

check the person’s airway, breathing and pulse—if unresponsive, commence CPR.
if possible, move the person to a cool place, lie them down and remove excess clothing.
cool the body with cool, wet cloths or fan them if available
give them small sips of fluids if conscious and able to swallow.

Do not give medications unless prescribed.

Learn more about:

These resources are available in the following languages: