Heat exhaustion vs heatstroke: symptoms, first aid, hydration

Health advice ·Published 10 October 2026 ·Reviewed 10 October 2026

Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey, BPharmSci, MPharm, Owner and Pharmacist.

General health information from a registered pharmacist. It doesn’t replace advice from your own pharmacist or doctor.

Heat exhaustion is your body struggling to cope with heat. You’ll typically feel weak, dizzy and sweaty, with pale, clammy skin. Heatstroke is a medical emergency: body temperature rises dangerously, the skin may be hot and dry, and the person becomes confused or collapses. If you think someone has heatstroke, call 000 straight away.

Here’s how to tell the two apart, what first aid to give, and how to stay hydrated through a humid Gold Coast summer. If you take regular medicines, our pharmacists at Pacific Fair can talk you through how heat may affect them.

Heat exhaustion symptoms vs heatstroke symptoms

The signs can overlap, and heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke if it isn’t treated. This comparison is based on Queensland Health and healthdirect guidance.

Early warning signs

Before either condition develops, Queensland Health lists early signs of heat-related illness such as thirst, heavy sweating, muscle cramps (usually in the legs or stomach) and dark urine. That’s your cue to stop, get out of the heat and drink water.

First aid for heat exhaustion, step by step

1. Move to a cool place. Get into shade or air conditioning, then lie down.
2. Remove excess clothing. Loosen or take off tight, heavy layers.
3. Cool the body. Have a cool shower or bath, or place cool, wet cloths on the forehead, wrists, sides of the neck, underarms and groin. Use a fan or air conditioning.
4. Drink fluids. Sip cool water, or a sports drink or oral rehydration solution. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
5. Watch closely. Call 000 if the person becomes unconscious, starts vomiting, feels faint or confused, can’t drink, has a seizure, or has a body temperature of 40°C.

First aid for heatstroke, step by step

1. Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Heatstroke needs urgent medical care.
2. Check their response. If the person is unresponsive, check their airway and breathing. If they’re unconscious and breathing, place them on their side. If they’re not breathing normally, start CPR and follow the instructions from the 000 operator.
3. Move them somewhere cool and shaded, and keep them as still as possible.
4. Remove excess clothing.
5. Cool them down fast. Sponge or spray them with cool water, or cover them with wet towels and fan their damp skin. Place cool packs in the armpits, on the groin and on the back of the neck.
6. Give small sips of water only if they’re conscious and able to drink.
7. Don’t give pain relief. healthdirect advises checking with a doctor before giving medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to someone with heatstroke, as they won’t help and can be harmful.

Who’s at higher risk in the heat?

Anyone can get sick in very hot weather, but Queensland Health and healthdirect say some people are more at risk:

• Older people. People aged 65 and over, because the body becomes less able to regulate its temperature.
• Babies and young children. Their bodies can’t regulate temperature as well as adults’ can.
• Pregnant women.
• People with chronic health conditions or a disability. Some people may need help to notice symptoms, get fluids or move somewhere cooler.
• Outdoor workers and anyone who spends long periods outside, such as tradies, lifeguards, landscapers and delivery riders.
• People who take certain medicines. Some medicines can affect how your body handles heat. Ask your pharmacist whether any of yours do, and don’t stop taking a medicine without talking to your doctor. A medication review can be a good time to check.

How to stay hydrated in a Gold Coast summer

Our humidity makes it harder for sweat to evaporate and cool you down, so it’s easy to overheat even on days that don’t feel scorching.

• Drink regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Queensland Health suggests around 2 to 3 litres of water a day for most people, unless your doctor has told you otherwise, for example if you’re on a fluid restriction.
• Check your wee. healthdirect says pale urine is a good sign. If it’s dark yellow, drink more.
• Eat water-rich foods like fruit and salads.
• Limit alcohol and drinks high in caffeine or sugar.
• Carry a water bottle whenever you go out.
• Avoid the hottest part of the day. Queensland Health recommends limiting time outdoors between 11am and 3pm.
• Find somewhere cool. Air-conditioned spaces such as libraries and shopping centres are good places to cool off on very hot days.

Looking after older relatives

healthdirect suggests visiting or calling vulnerable family, friends and neighbours at least once a day during hot weather. Check they have water in the fridge, a way to keep cool, and that they’re actually drinking. Plan ahead for who will check on whom during a heatwave.

Babies and kids

healthdirect advises that babies under 6 months should be given extra breastfeeds or formula feeds rather than water. Queensland Health says never leave children, older people, people with disability or pets in a parked car, even for a short time.

Outdoor workers

If you work outside, build in regular breaks in the shade, keep water with you, and watch your workmates for early warning signs. They may notice your confusion before you do.

Storing medicines in the heat

Heat can affect some medicines. healthdirect notes that many medicines are labelled to be stored below 25°C, which a parked car or a sunny windowsill can easily exceed.

• Follow the storage directions on the pack.
• Keep medicines in their original packaging, away from heat and sunlight.
• Don’t leave medicines in the car, especially emergency medicines like asthma puffers.
• Use an insulated bag when you’re out and about.
• If a medicine looks different after heat exposure, ask your pharmacist before using it.

When to see a pharmacist or GP

• Ask a pharmacist about oral rehydration products, how to store your medicines, and whether your medicines could affect how you cope with heat.
• See a GP if heat exhaustion symptoms aren’t improving after cooling down and drinking fluids, if you keep getting unwell in the heat, or if you have a chronic condition and need a hot-weather plan. Our in-store Help Medical GPs are one option.
• Call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for Queensland Health advice over the phone.
• Call 000 for any signs of heatstroke, or if someone with heat exhaustion becomes confused, vomits, faints, can’t drink, has a seizure or becomes unconscious.

This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.