Context

Approximately 800 heat-related deaths occur annually in the UK. In 2003, a heat wave in southern England resulted in over 1000 deaths[1].

Sweating with dehydration can cause coronary and cerebrovascular thrombosis, but not all heat-related deaths are due to heat stroke and many who die during heat waves may already have been close to death [1].

Mortality increases during a heat wave but also decreases in the following week.

There are multiple risk factors for heat-related illness, but those at extremes of age or who participate in strenuous exercise are most vulnerable.

Heat-related illness ranges from mild transient oedema of the extremities to heat stroke with multi-organ failure.

This module focuses on the diagnosis and management of the most severe form of environmental heat-related illness, namely heat stroke.