What to pay more attention to in summer!

First aid in the heat: how to protect your child from heatstroke, sunstroke and heat exhaustion

Summer, sun - and suddenly an emergency: heat stroke, sunstroke and heat exhaustion are real health risks, especially for children and babies. In our First aid course for babies and children you will learn how to recognise these emergencies in good time and how to act safely in an emergency.

Recognising heat exhaustion: Symptoms and first aid

The Heat exhaustion is more than just a bit of exhaustion in hot temperatures. It is caused by a Loss of fluids and salt - Often in warm and humid weather, during physical exertion or after diarrhoea and vomiting.

Typical symptoms of heat exhaustion:

• Headache
• Heavy sweating
• Pallor and circulatory problems
• Dizziness and weakness
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• In babies: absence, fever, reduced responsiveness

You can do this:

• Take the child into the shade or a cool room
• Remove tight or warm clothing
• Slow cooling with lukewarm compresses
• Offer isotonic liquid in small sips
• For babies with neurological symptoms: go to the paediatric clinic immediately

Heatstroke in children: Danger to life due to overheating

A Heat stroke is a medical emergency. It occurs when the body no longer has the opportunity to cool itself down - for example due to excessively warm clothing, sunlight or closed cars.

Symptoms of heat stroke:

• Very high fever (over 40°C)
• Hot, dry skin (no more sweating)
• Dizziness, headaches
• Confusion, hallucinations
• Unconsciousness
• Rapid pulse, shallow breathing

First aid for heat stroke:

• Call the emergency services immediately on 112
• Take the child into the shade or into a cool room
• Remove clothing and cool carefully
• If the child is awake: shock positioning, drink small sips
• In case of unconsciousness: stable lateral position, monitor breathing
• Calf compress only lukewarm - maximum 1°C below body temperature

Sunstroke in children: Danger to the brain

A Sunstroke is caused by intense sunlight on the head and neck - often when playing in the midday heat without head protection.

Sunstroke symptoms:

• Hot, red head
• Headaches, neck pain
• Nausea, vomiting
• Restlessness or apathy
• Clouding of consciousness, fainting
• Hyperextension of the body, neck stiffness

First aid for sunstroke:

• Take the child to a cool, shady room
• Position head slightly elevated (conscious)
• Cool compresses on the neck and back of the head
• In case of unconsciousness: stable lateral position, do not give fluids
• Call the emergency services - sunstroke can also be life-threatening

Prevention: How to protect your child from heat-related emergencies

• Avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 4pm
• Let your child play in the shade
• Use light-coloured, airy clothing and sun hats with neck protection
• Drink regularly - frequent breastfeeding or pre-feeding for babies
• Do not leave children in the car or pushchair in the sun

Knowledge saves lives - book a first aid course now

Your knowledge counts in an emergency. In our First aid course for babies and children you will learn step by step what is really important - for the health and safety of your loved ones.

Book now and be prepared - because you want to keep calm in an emergency.

Book a first aid course now