Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
Confusion or no sweating in a hot person is an emergency.
Call 112 territory
What to do now
- 1Move to shade or a cool cabin, lie down and raise the legs.
- 2Loosen clothing; cool with wet cloths, fanning and cool water on skin.
- 3Sip water or an oral rehydration drink if fully alert.
- 4Heat stroke — call 112 immediately and cool aggressively while waiting.
Do not
- 1Do not give fluids to someone who is confused or drowsy.
- 2Do not send them back out in the sun after they 'feel better'.
- 3Do not use alcohol or caffeine to rehydrate.
Seek urgent help if
- 1Hot, red skin with no sweating; temperature above 40 °C.
- 2Confusion, seizure, fainting or collapse.
- 3Vomiting that prevents drinking, or no improvement after 30 minutes of cooling.
Aftercare
- 1Rest for the remainder of the day and keep drinking.
- 2Plan shade, water and dawn/dusk sessions for the next trip.
This page is general first-aid guidance for anglers. It cannot diagnose an injury and does not replace professional emergency care. If you are unsure, call 112.
