934 heat-associated deaths in England during September 2023 heatwave

The British Red Cross has reported that a heatwave in September 2023 caused 934 heat-associated deaths in England alone in just 11 days. The figure appears in the charity's guidance on telling heat exhaustion apart from heatstroke, published as part of its first aid advice for hot weather.

The same guidance states that one in five homes in England are likely to overheat when temperatures reach heatwave levels. It describes heat exhaustion as "the body's warning system", caused by a loss of salt and water from the body, and says that if it is not spotted and managed quickly it can progress to heatstroke, which is "far more serious". Heatstroke is described as a failure of the body's thermostat, a medical emergency that can lead to permanent organ damage or death if not treated rapidly.

The charity lists the signs it says distinguish the two conditions:

For heat exhaustion, the Red Cross says that if someone is showing the signs, they should be moved to a cool place, rehydrated and made to rest. For heatstroke, it says to call 999 immediately, begin cooling the person while waiting for emergency services, move them to a cooler area and wrap them in a cool, wet sheet, keeping the sheet damp by continuously pouring cold water over it. It notes that heat exhaustion can come on gradually or suddenly, and that heatstroke can come on quickly, especially if heat exhaustion goes unnoticed or untreated.

Why it matters for households

The guidance identifies people who work outside or in hot environments as needing particular attention to the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. It also names young children, older adults, people with long-term health conditions and those working outside or in hot indoor environments as groups to be alert for. The charity advises checking on neighbours, friends or relatives who might be more vulnerable, and says people should not do things in hot weather alone, as someone else may spot signs they have not noticed themselves. It advises not hesitating to ask for help when symptoms appear. Its hot weather preparation advice includes having bottled water for drinking and taking a handheld electric fan, cooling wipes and a thermometer when out. The charity also advises learning first aid skills for both conditions.

The 934 deaths figure covers England only and a period of 11 days during the September 2023 heatwave. No breakdown by region, age group or cause has been reported in the guidance, and no further detail on how the figure was compiled has been published there.

What happens next

No further dates or next steps are given in the guidance. Households can read more on why UK summers are getting hotter and drier and in the heatwaves and drought hub.