As temperatures soar in Sussex here is how to treat dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and sunburn

St John Ambulance has issued first aid advice

With temperatures expected to rise well above 30C this week, St John Ambulance is sharing some simple, but life saving, first aid tips to help keep communities safe in the sun.

Knowing how to spot the symptoms of and treat common heat-related conditions such as fainting, sunburn and dehydration can be vital to help people look after themselves and others, as well as helping to prevent avoidable trips to hospital at a time when NHS resources may already be under additional pressure.

Warning as heatwave predicted for East Sussex in coming days

“Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are two of the most serious problems that can develop when the mercury soars but by being prepared you can spot the early warning signs, such as headache and dizziness. Knowing what action to take, could mean you might be the difference between life and death in an emergency in your community.”

Volunteers from St John will be out and about, keeping communities safe in the heat at hundreds of events across the country this week as the school holidays begin.

One of the most common conditions treated by St John volunteers when the sun is shining is dehydration, which can be avoided by keeping topped up with small sips of water throughout the day and taking breaks from the sun wherever possible.

Fainting

Fainting is when someone briefly becomes unresponsive, often causing them to fall to the ground. It happens because for a moment, there is not enough blood flowing to the brain.

People often faint as a reaction to pain, exhaustion, hunger, or emotional stress. It is also common for people to faint after they have been standing or sitting still for a long period of time, especially if they’re feeling hot.

What to look for: