What Can I Do, I Have Heatstroke in Lanzarote?

Enjoying the sunshine safely: everything visitors need to know about heat exhaustion, heatstroke and staying cool on holiday

Lanzarote is famous for its beautiful beaches, warm temperatures and year-round sunshine. For many visitors, spending time outdoors is one of the best parts of their holiday.

However, the island’s sunshine and warm climate can also bring risks, particularly for those who are not accustomed to the heat. Spending too long in the sun, becoming dehydrated or undertaking strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day can lead to heat-related illnesses.

One of the most serious is heatstroke, a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Knowing the warning signs and what to do if someone becomes unwell could make all the difference.

Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature regulation system can no longer keep the body cool. Its temperature rises to dangerous levels, potentially causing damage to vital organs, including the brain, heart and kidneys.

It can develop after prolonged exposure to high temperatures, particularly when someone has not been drinking enough water or has been physically active in the heat.

Heatstroke can affect anyone, including healthy adults. However, young children, older people and those with certain medical conditions may be particularly vulnerable.

Importantly, heatstroke does not only happen after spending hours sunbathing. It can also occur indoors or following strenuous physical activity

Heat exhaustion is often an early warning that the body is struggling to cope with the heat. If it is recognised and treated promptly, it can usually be managed by cooling down and replacing lost fluids.

Heatstroke is much more serious and can develop rapidly.

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You do not need to wait for someone to stop sweating before suspecting heatstroke. Some people with heatstroke continue to sweat, particularly when it is caused by physical activity.

The warning signs of heatstroke

Recognising the symptoms early is essential.

Look out for:

• A very high body temperature, often around 40°C or above
• Hot, flushed skin
• A severe headache
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Rapid breathing or a fast heartbeat
• Confusion, agitation or unusual behaviour
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Seizures
• Fainting or loss of consciousness

Someone suffering from heatstroke may not realise how seriously unwell they are. If a person becomes confused, disorientated or unusually drowsy in hot weather, take it seriously.

What should you do if someone has heatstroke?

Heatstroke is a medical emergency.

If you suspect someone is suffering from heatstroke, call 112 in Lanzarote immediately.

While waiting for emergency assistance:

1. Move them somewhere cool

Get them out of direct sunlight and into an air-conditioned room or shaded area.

2. Remove unnecessary clothing

Loosen clothing and remove excess layers to help the body cool down.

3. Cool their body quickly

Use cool water to wet their skin, sponge them down or wrap them in a cool, wet sheet. Fan them while keeping their skin damp.

Cold packs wrapped in a cloth can also be placed around the neck, armpits and groin.

4. Stay with them

Monitor their breathing and level of consciousness while waiting for help.

If they become unconscious but are breathing normally, place them in the recovery position.

Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, unconscious or unable to swallow safely. Do not give paracetamol or aspirin to treat heatstroke.

Rapid cooling and emergency medical treatment are essential.

How to treat heat exhaustion

If someone is experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion but remains alert and responsive, taking immediate action can help prevent the condition from becoming more serious.

The recommended steps are:

• Move to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned place.
• Stop all physical activity and rest.
• Remove unnecessary clothing.
• Drink cool water or an oral rehydration drink.
• Cool the skin with water, a damp towel or a cool shower.
• Use a fan while keeping the skin damp.

The person should begin to feel better within approximately 30 minutes.

If symptoms persist, worsen or include repeated vomiting, seek medical assistance. If confusion, collapse or other signs of heatstroke develop, call 112 immediately.

How to prevent heatstroke during your Lanzarote holiday

A few simple precautions can help you enjoy the island safely.

Stay hydrated

Drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty. Take a bottle of water with you when exploring the island.

If you have been sweating heavily, an oral rehydration solution or suitable electrolyte drink can help replace lost salts.

Avoid the hottest part of the day

Try to plan walks, excursions and physical activities for the early morning or evening.

Between approximately 11am and 3pm, seek shade and avoid unnecessary exertion.

Wear suitable clothing

Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Apply sunscreen regularly to protect your skin from sunburn.

Remember that sunburn and heatstroke are different conditions, although both can occur during the same day.

Take regular breaks

If you are walking around markets, exploring volcanic landscapes or enjoying a day at the beach, take regular breaks somewhere cool.

Do not push yourself if you begin to feel dizzy, weak or unusually tired.

Be careful with alcohol

Alcohol can contribute to dehydration and impair your judgement, making it easier to overlook the early signs of heat-related illness.

Enjoy your holiday drinks responsibly and make sure you are drinking plenty of water too.

Look after children and older relatives

Children may not recognise when they are becoming overheated, while older people may be more vulnerable to heat-related illness.

Check regularly that everyone is drinking enough, staying cool and feeling well.

Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a short time.

Can you get heatstroke on a cloudy day?

Yes.

Even when the sun is hidden behind clouds, temperatures can remain high enough to cause heat-related illness.

Visitors should not assume they are safe simply because it is cloudy or breezy. The temperature, humidity, physical activity and length of exposure all contribute to the risk.

Lanzarote’s sunshine is one of the reasons so many people return year after year. With a little preparation, visitors can enjoy the beaches, restaurants, excursions and outdoor activities without putting their health at risk.

The most important thing to remember is to listen to your body.

If you begin feeling dizzy, nauseous, unusually tired or develop a headache while out in the heat, stop what you are doing and find somewhere cool.

And if someone becomes confused, collapses or develops signs of heatstroke, don’t wait to see if they improve.

Call 112 immediately.

A few simple precautions, combined with knowing the warning signs, can help ensure your Lanzarote holiday remains memorable for all the right reasons.

Medical information: This article is intended for general awareness and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. In an emergency in Lanzarote, call 112.