Heat exhaustion and heatstroke

When children are outside for a long time in hot, humid environments, they are at risk of heat-related illnesses, including:  

  • heat exhaustion 
  • heatstroke- also known as sunstroke. 

Children cannot regulate heat as well as adults. When kids are having fun in the sun, they don’t want to miss out on activities. They are unlikely to take breaks for water or shade. 

As a parents understand the conditions and recommend regular breaks in hot environments. 

See the Heat exhaustion and heatstroke factsheet for more information.  

Symptoms of exhaustion in children

Heat exhaustion is an early stage of overheating. It is the body’s response when a child has lost excessive sweat through the skin, including water and salt. 

Signs and symptoms include:  

  • heavy sweating (cool and moist skin)
  • pale skin
  • fast and weak pulse rate
  • breathing fast and shallow
  • muscle weakness or cramps
  • tiredness
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • nausea or vomiting
  • fainting.

Responding to heat exhaustion

If you think your child is experiencing heat exhaustion: 

  • rest the child in a cool place- indoors or under shade 
  • remove excess clothing 
  • use cool water or ice packs under the armpits, neck or groin  
  • give the child cool water or an electrolyte drink. 

Untreated heat exhaustion in children can quickly become heatstroke.  

Symptoms of heatstroke

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. It occurs when a child’s body temperature is above 40°C. Signs and symptoms include:  

  • a sudden rise in body temperature
  • red, hot and dry skin (sweating has stopped)
  • dry swollen tongue
  • rapid pulse
  • rapid shallow breathing
  • intense thirst
  • headache
  • nausea or vomiting
  • dizziness
  • confusion, poor coordination or slurred speech
  • aggressive or bizarre behaviour
  • loss of consciousness
  • seizures or coma.

Responding to heatstroke in children 

If you think your child is experiencing heatstroke: 

  • call Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance
  • do not give aspirin or paracetamol as this could be more harmful. 

If the child is unconscious:

  • lay them on their side in the recovery position and check they are breathing 
  • perform CPR if needed.

If the child is conscious: 

  • move them to a cool area- indoors or in the shade  
  • keep them rested and remove any excess clothing 
  • give them small sips of water or electrolyte drinks 
  • bring their body temperature down using a: 
    • sponge with cool water
    • a cool shower
    • garden hose to spray with cool water 
    • ice packs under the armpits, neck or groin  
    • It is important to provide immediate first aid to lower the child’s body temperature. It can be life-threatening if left unattended. 

See the Heat exhaustion and heatstroke factsheet and Dehydration in babies and children for more information.