Hyperthermia

Hyperthermia occurs when the body's core temperature rises excessively and can be life-threatening when the core temperature exceeds 40˚ Celsius.

Three stages characterise hyperthermia - heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke - the latter being the most serious.

Signs and symptoms of hyperthermia are:

• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Thirst
• Coordination issues
• Trouble concentrating
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid pulse

The treatment for a person with hypothermia is as follows:

• Move the person to a cool, shaded, well‐ventilated area.
• Sit them down.
• Loosen or remove excess clothing such as a wetsuit.
• Give the person fluids such as a cold drink.
• Use cold water to cool the person down.
• Contact professional emergency services if the patient's condition does not rapidly improve.