As UK temperatures rise, more and more people are concerned about heat related illnesses and how to ensure they stay safe in this weather. In fact, in June of 2025, the UK National Health Service website had 31,524 visits within 48 hours as they issued a heat-health alert, compared to the 10,000 views they had just days prior. This helped many people be aware of their health and keep safe. However, temperatures are yet to relent, and One must stay careful. With the UK currently experiencing very high temperatures, it's really important to know the signs of heatstroke, which can be quite dangerous. The NHS is telling people to dial 999 right away if they see a particular, serious symptom on someone's skin. This is a crucial step because heatstroke can be life-threatening if not addressed quickly. Heatstroke: An Emergency Situation Heat exhaustion is a milder condition, but it can quickly get much worse and turn into heatstroke if it's not dealt with fast. The NHS explains that if someone has heat exhaustion, they usually won't need emergency medical help as long as they can cool down within about half an hour. However, if that heat exhaustion turns into heatstroke, it's a completely different story – it becomes a real emergency. The health service is very clear: you should "call 999 now if you or someone else has signs of heatstroke." This isn't a suggestion; it's a direct instruction for a serious situation. Key Heatstroke Symptoms to Watch For One very important sign to look out for is skin that feels hot to the touch but isn't sweating, and it might look red. It's worth noting that this particular sign can be harder to spot on darker skin tones. You also need to get emergency help if someone still isn't feeling well after being in a cool place for 30 minutes, having cooling treatments applied, and drinking fluids. Other signs of heatstroke that mean you should call 999 immediately include: an extremely high body temperature; a very fast pulse or heartbeat; breathing that is quick or difficult; feeling confused and having trouble moving in a coordinated way; having a seizure or fit; or passing out (losing consciousness). If the person becomes unconscious while you're waiting for help to arrive, the NHS advises you to gently roll them onto their side into the recovery position. Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion Before someone gets to the serious stage of heatstroke, there are earlier warning signs of heat exhaustion. Keep an eye out for these: Feeling very, very tired.Feeling dizzy.Having a headache.Feeling sick to your stomach or actually vomiting.Cramps in your arms, legs, and stomach.Sweating a lot, and your skin might look pale and feel clammy, or you might even get a heat rash.Your breathing or heartbeat might be fast.You'll likely have a high temperature.Feeling extremely thirsty.Feeling weak.The NHS points out that these symptoms are generally the same for both adults and children, though children might also become irritable or cranky. What to Do if Someone Has Symptoms If you notice someone showing these signs of heat exhaustion, the most important thing is to cool them down right away and get them to drink fluids. The NHS recommends these four essential steps: Move them to a cool, shady spot. Get them out of the heat!Take off any extra clothing they don't need, like a jacket or thick socks.Encourage them to drink a sports drink, a rehydration drink, or just cool water. These drinks help replace lost salts and fluids.Cool their skin: you can spray them with cool water, sponge them down with a cool, damp cloth, and fan them. You can also use cold packs (make sure they're wrapped in a cloth) and place them under their armpits or on their neck. Stay with the person until they start to recover, which should happen within about 30 minutes. However, if they don't get better after following these steps, you might need to call 999 for emergency help.