With the mercury topping 35 degrees Celsius across Japan — and similar temperatures expected through August — both the government and meteorologists are warning of an elevated risk of heatstroke.

The government has already issued alerts from Tokyo to Okinawa, asking people to drink plenty of water and avoid going outdoors to prevent heat exhaustion.

In cases where a person is suspected of having heatstroke, the Environment Ministry’s guidelines explain what steps and first-aid measures to take, depending on the symptoms.

According to the guidelines, there are three levels of heatstroke:

  • Level 1 (minor): The person is conscious but is experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, aching muscles or numbness in their arms and legs. In this situation, they should rest in a cool place, drink water and ingest some salt. They should also cool the body with a cold towel or ice. If the symptoms don’t improve, they should visit a doctor.

  • Level 2 (moderate): If the person is experiencing nausea, headaches or exhaustion and it’s unclear if he or she is conscious, seek medical attention.

  • Level 3 (severe): If the person is unconscious or suffering from severe cramps and having difficulty walking, call an ambulance.

When deciding whether or not to call an ambulance, the key consideration is whether the person is conscious. Whenever possible, the person should be moved inside where there is air conditioning while they wait for the ambulance.

Lowering the body temperature is the most important thing to do. According to the guidelines, one effective strategy is to loosen the person’s clothing and apply a wet towel, ice or a cold plastic bottle to the side of the their neck, armpits or upper thighs, as this is where major arteries are located.

The ministry also stated that pets can suffer from heat exhaustion and warned against leaving them unattended in parked cars for any period of time, as such conditions could quickly lead to brain damage or death.

During the last week of July, over 7,000 people nationwide were rushed to hospitals due to heatstroke, up from 4,039 the week before, according to Fire and Disaster Management Agency data.

A heat wave in June caused a record 15,969 people to be taken to the hospital by ambulance across Japan with heatstroke or heat exhaustion, with those who collapsed in their homes, often lacking air conditioning, representing the largest portion, according to the agency’s data.

Moreover, the national broadcaster NHK reported that 42 people died in June in Tokyo from heatstroke or similar symptoms.