The British Red Cross: First aid for heat exhaustion
Summer has officially arrived, and with it, plenty of opportunities for the little ones in your setting to enjoy outdoor play. As you head outside, it’s important to be aware of the additional risks that hot days can bring.
Young children are more vulnerable to heat because their bodies don’t cool down as efficiently as adults. They sweat less, and energetic play such as running, climbing and exploring can quickly increase their body temperature. This can raise the risk of heat exhaustion, especially during busy outdoor sessions.
Here’s how to help if you think a baby or child in your care may have heat exhaustion:
A child or baby with heat exhaustion might have been in the sun or heat for a long time. They might be sweating, their skin may be paler than it normally is and clammy, they may have a headache or dizziness and feel sick.
1. Help them to move to a cool place and rest. Lying them down with their legs raised may help them feel better.
2. Give them plenty of water to drink and seek medical advice if necessary.
- Drinking water will replace lost fluids.
- Babies under six months old may want to feed more often - whether breast or bottle fed. They don't need to be offered additional water.
- For formula-fed babies, prepare feeds as normal according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not add extra water.
- Babies over six months old, or those who are weaning, can be given small amounts of additional water, but this should not replace normal milk feeds.
3. Continue to monitor the baby or child’s condition. Heat exhaustion can develop into heatstroke, which is a serious condition requiring urgent medical attention.
Paediatric first aid training
Ideal for nursery staff and childminders, our EYFS compliant, two day first aid course gives you the skills and confidence to support young children safely. Book online today.
The information in this article is provided by the British Red Cross and does not represent Morton Michel.