The UK has just recorded its hottest May Day ever during the current 2026 heatwave. Temperatures reached 35.1° at Heathrow and Kew Gardens in London, breaking longstanding previous records that had stood since 1944. If that isn't shocking enough consider that the UK's hottest years on record have predominantly occurred since the year 2000. It is now widely accepted that events considered rare are happening much more frequently.

Take a few minutes to consider our first aid tips to stay safe during a heatwave.

 

Heat Exhaustion

Common signs:

  • Heavy sweating,
  • Dizziness,
  • Headache,
  • Nausea,
  • Muscle cramps,
  • Fast pulse,
  • Weakness or fainting.

What to do:

  • Move them to a cool place indoors or into shade.
  • Help them lie down and raise their feet slightly.
  • Give cool water or an electrolyte drink slowly.
  • Remove excess clothing.
  • Cool the skin. 
  • Stay with them and monitor symptoms.
  • Most people improve within 30 minutes.

Call emergency services urgently if they:

  • Become confused or agitated.
  • Lose consciousness.
  • Stop sweating despite heat.
  • Have a seizure.
  • Have trouble breathing.
  • Have an extremely high temperature.
  • Symptoms do not improve after cooling.

 

Heat Stroke - is life-threatening.

If someone has heat stroke, after calling 999:

  • Move them somewhere cool.
  • Cool them aggressively with cold wet cloths or ice packs and fan continuously.
  • Do not force fluids if they are confused or unconscious.

 

Preventing Dehydration

  • Drink water regularly throughout the day.
  • Eat water-rich foods like fruit, salads, and cucumber.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol.
  • Check urine colour: dark yellow can suggest dehydration.

 

Sunburn First Aid

  • Move out of the sun immediately.
  • Cool the skin with running cool water for 20 minutes minimum.
  • Drink extra fluids.
  • Never pop blisters.

 

Heat safety for children and older adults

  • Never leave anyone in a parked car.
  • Babies and older adults can overheat quickly even indoors.
  • Check frequently on vulnerable neighbours or relatives.

 

This is a brief insight in to the basics of keeping you and your family or colleagues safe during hot weather but as you may have noticed it starts to throw up further first aid situations such as seizing or treating someone who is unconscious; would you know what to do?

If the answer is no then seriously consider becoming first aid trained so that you know exactly how to react in an emergency. At Bells Down Training Limited we offer on-site and open first aid courses for beginners and advanced learners across Derbyshire and the whole UK.

Email - enquiries@bellsdowntraining.co.uk for more information.