Heat Illness First Aid
From May to October heat illness is the emergency UAE first aiders deal with most on outdoor sites, sports pitches and even in car parks. Telling heat exhaustion from heat stroke — and cooling fast enough — is a core part of the first aid course.
What to do
Heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, weakness, headache, nausea, but thinking clearly): move to shade or air conditioning, lie down, loosen clothing, sip water or a sports drink. Heat stroke (confusion, strange behaviour, collapse or seizure in the heat): call 998 and start cooling at once, ideally by immersing the body up to the neck in cold water.
| Heat exhaustion | Heat stroke | |
|---|---|---|
| Mind | Clear | Confused, irritable, drowsy, or unresponsive |
| Skin | Sweaty, pale, clammy | Very hot; may be sweating or dry |
| Other signs | Thirst, headache, nausea, cramps, dizziness | Stumbling, vomiting, seizures, collapse |
| Response | Rest, cool, fluids | 998 and rapid whole-body cooling |
The deciding sign is the brain: confusion in a hot person means heat stroke until proven otherwise. Do not rely on sweating; many people with exertional heat stroke are still sweating.
Cold-water immersion up to the neck is the fastest method. If that is impossible, soak them with cold water continuously and fan them, and put ice packs or cold wet towels on the neck, armpits and groin. Keep going until the ambulance takes over. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation applies a midday break for outdoor work during the peak summer months. Beyond that: water and shade on every site, rest cycles, gradual acclimatisation for new arrivals, and supervisors who know the early signs. See construction site first aid and sports first aid.
Never leave a child in a parked car, even briefly. A car interior heats up to dangerous temperatures in minutes.
This guide summarises first aid for the public and does not replace training or medical advice. In an emergency in the UAE call 998 for an ambulance.
Other life support and first aid courses: BLS Course · ACLS Course · PALS Course · Training calendar
In heat stroke the brain is affected: confusion, odd behaviour, collapse or seizures. Heat exhaustion causes sweating, weakness and nausea with a clear mind.
Not always; many people with exertional heat stroke are still sweating.
Immersion up to the neck in cold water; otherwise continuous cold water and fanning.
Not if they are confused; focus on cooling and call 998.
The summer midday break for outdoor work, water, shade, rest cycles and acclimatisation.
Yes, call 998.
Reading helps; practising makes it automatic. The AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED course at our Al Reem Island centre covers every emergency on this page with hands-on practice, and we train companies and schools on site across the UAE.
See first aid dates and register First aid course overview All first aid guides
What we teach follows the awarding body and the UAE health authorities. For the definitive position on a course or licensing question, these are the places to check.
Last reviewed by the training team at Safety First Medical Services, an American Heart Association training centre at Addax Office Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Call +971 55 761 9841 or email training@safetyfirstmed.ae.