Heat safety
How to help someone who is overheating
Short answer
Move them somewhere cool, remove unnecessary clothing, give cool water if they can drink, cool their skin and stay with them.
What to do
- ✓Start cooling immediately.
- ✓Contact NHS 111 if you need advice.
- ✓Call 999 for heatstroke signs or if they remain unwell after 30 minutes.
Why it works
This advice follows NHS guidance and the underlying principles of first aid and heat illness.
Important exceptions
This page cannot diagnose anyone. Follow the linked health guidance and seek urgent help for emergency symptoms.
Sources & evidence
Reviewed 2026-08-21
- NHS: Heat exhaustion and heatstroke ↗
Supports: Heat-illness symptoms, cooling actions and when to seek emergency help.
health guidance · Accessed 2026-08-21