St John Ambulance launched its summer first aid awareness campaign on 19 June 2025, after research it commissioned found that more than half of adults surveyed in England (55%) do not know the difference between life-threatening heat stroke, which requires a 999 call, and heat exhaustion, which can be treated by cooling and hydrating a patient1. The survey of 1,002 adults across England was conducted by Censuswide for the charity in June 20251.
The charity reported that only one third (31%) of people aged 55 and over recognise the difference between the two conditions, compared with nearly two thirds (63%) of young people aged 16 to 241. Almost one in 10 (9%) believe heat exhaustion is not serious, despite the risk of it progressing to life-threatening heat stroke if left untreated; one in four (25%) have had summer plans disrupted by heat-related symptoms such as dehydration or sunburn; and four in 10 (41%) are unaware that some medications for common long-term conditions, including certain antidepressants, can increase the risk of heat-related illness1. Just under a third (29%) of respondents have helped someone experiencing a heat-related condition, while 14% were not sure whether they had1.
The survey also found misconceptions about treatment. Many respondents believed giving a patient water to drink was the correct next step after calling emergency services, when in fact cooling the person with water on their skin and fanning is more effective, the charity said1.
"Just over half of respondents weren’t confident they could tell the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion, a distinction that, if understood, could save someone's life."
The charity set out the signs it wants the public to know1:
| Condition | Signs given by St John Ambulance | First aid given by St John Ambulance |
|---|---|---|
| Heat exhaustion | Headache, dizziness and confusion, loss of appetite and feeling sick, sweating with pale clammy skin, cramps in the arms, legs and stomach, fast weakening pulse and breathing | Lie the patient down in a cool place with legs raised, give lots of water or isotonic sports drinks, monitor breathing, pulse and responsiveness |
| Heat stroke | Very high internal temperature (40C and above) and decreased level of consciousness, which may mean confusion, unresponsiveness or aggression | Call 999 immediately, move the patient out of the sun or away from the heat source, remove extra clothing layers ideally down to underwear, spray with misted water or pour water on them and fan to promote evaporation |
St John Ambulance describes heat exhaustion as caused by a loss of salt and water from the body, usually through excessive sweating, developing slowly and usually affecting people not used to hot, humid weather1. It says heat stroke can be life threatening1.
Why it matters for households
The charity said both older adults and young children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, so extra precautions are essential1. Its figures indicate that confidence in recognising heat-related conditions is lowest among the over-55s, the group it also links to lower awareness of medication-related risk1. The charity is urging the public to familiarise themselves with the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and to learn the correct first aid steps, and it offers free advice and resources on its website1. Its guidance on heat exhaustion and heatstroke and on when to call 999 or NHS 111 for heat illness covers the same ground for households. The campaign comes as the charity says the UK braces for another summer of extreme temperatures1; no seasonal forecast or specific weather warning is given in its announcement.
What happens next
No further dates or campaign activities have been announced beyond the launch on 19 June 20251. The charity's media team can be contacted on +44 03330 154 412 or at PR@sja.org.uk, 8:30am to 8pm, seven days a week1. Households looking for local help in hot weather can also read about voluntary organisations that help in UK emergencies.
Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
Voluntary Organisations
Calling 999 for Heat Illness
Heatstroke
