Overview

• The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat-health alert across England as temperatures are forecast to reach 34C in southern regions on June 21.
• St John Ambulance research shows more than half of adults in England cannot distinguish between heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke.
• Heat exhaustion, driven by excessive sweating and salt loss, can escalate to life-threatening heat stroke if left untreated.
• Older adults, young children and people taking certain medications such as some antidepressants face higher risks of heat-related illness.
• First aid guidance recommends calling 999 immediately for heat stroke and cooling the skin with misted water and fanning while treating heat exhaustion with rest and hydration.