#and heatstroke/heat exhaustion

[troublesome-transboy]

you know. i really feel like “i don’t want to experience heat illness” is not that unreasonable to say actually

[chicago-geniza]

I deliberately avoid scalding hot showers for POTS and skincare reasons but even a quick lukewarm wash gives me a 100 degree fever because I am a reptile in real life and cannot control my internal temperature

[thatdemiboymess]

I just voted, bitches.

[honeii-puff]

05. the icarus to your certainty (oh my sunlight, sunlight, sunlight)| WHUMPTOBER 2024

Sunburn| Heat Stroke - Max Mayfield 

Title from Sunlight by Hozier

Word Count: 0.7k

Max looked out at the shore from where she sat, drying off from the water. She could see El throwing water at Will and Dustin with her mind, from where she was sitting by the sand castle that she had built with Steve.

The fire at Starcourt was a month ago, and they were closing out the summer with a trip to the Lover’s Lake beach before El and the Byers had to move to California.

Max wasn’t sure she could enjoy it, though. The beach reminded her of Billy.

Or, more accurately, reminded her of his absence.

“Max? You alright?” She looked to her side and saw Lucas walking up to her, towel in hand.

She nodded. “Yep.”

“You sur- Jesus, you’re red.”

“Thanks for the reminder.”

“I’m serious! I think you’re sunburned.” He tapped her arm, and a small sting spread through her arm. She glanced down, and her entire arm was pink.

Max groaned. “I just applied sunscreen.” She turned to try and look at her back and saw the sunburn on her arms was spread out across her back as well.

“I think Ms. Byers packed aloe for sunburns. I could grab it for you.” He offered, and she shook her head.

“I’ll go grab it.” She got up from where she sat on the towel, almost falling over. Lucas grabbed her by the forearms to steady her so she wouldn’t fall over. Black spots danced in her vision, followed by a pounding pain in the back of her head.

“Max? Max!” Lucas’ voice sounded distant, too far away for how close he was to her. “Ms. Byers!” 

She heard footsteps and more voices approaching, but her thoughts were swarming too much for her to be able to place them.

“Max! Max, can you hear me?” She was finally able to place the voice as Steve as her vision cleared slowly. She was sitting back down on her towel, and Steve, Joyce, and Lucas were in front of her.

Joyce handed Max a water bottle, and she gratefully took it, unscrewing the cap and gulping it down, the cold water cooling down her throat.

“You alright hon?” She asked her, and Max nodded slightly, still drinking the water before pouring the rest of it on her head. The water dripped down her face and shoulders, cooling off her burning skin like a prayer.

“I think you have heat exhaustion, Max. You should sit in the car with the AC on.” Joyce pressed the back of her hand against her forehead. “You’re burning up.”

She shook her head. “I’ll be fine. I just need to- need to sit.”

“Yeah, nice try Mayfield. C’mon, let’s get you to the car.” Steve pulled her up by one arm and kept her steady as they started to walk to the path that led off the beach and through the woods to where they parked the cars.

Max felt both hot and cold as they walked along the path. Steve kept an arm wrapped around her shoulders as they walked in case she had another dizzy spell and fell over.

“I get it, okay?” Steve’s voice broke the silence, and she glanced at him. “I don’t like others taking care of me either.” he blew a piece of hair out of his face. “I think it’s because we’ve gotten used to taking care of ourselves for too long. I mean, my parents are a pair of hellraisers whenever I do see them, and from what I can tell, yours aren’t the best of the bunch either.”

“It’s just my mom. Neil is filing for divorce, but he hardly counted as a father. She.. She has a lot going on.”

Steve ruffled her hair. “And that’s why we’re here. We’ve gotta look out for each other, yeah?” The two of them reached Steve’s BMW, and he unlocked the door before turning it on, the AC blasting.

Max slid into the front seat, and saw that Steve wasn’t leaving the car. “What are you doing?”

“Sticking with you.” He grinned, and she laughed at him.

——————————————————————

Max heard the beeping of the heart monitor next to her cot in the hospital, which was first her sign of being awake.

The second was her inability to see.

It was only a memory.

She felt tears prick her eyes. It was stupid, really. Of hoping that she could have moments like that again, while she was blind and wheelchair-bound until she got her leg muscles strong enough to hold her own weight.

But for now she would cry, without knowing if anyone was there or what time it was.

Without the knowledge if there would be another time she’d laugh like that.

[nerdyenby]

I’m cracking myself up because we as a fandom more or less agreed that Grian being afk was something to do with the watchers but I just gave him heatstroke

[hot-cocoa-addict]

okay genuine question was i supposed to find out that joker’s shirt ISN’T actually sleeveless because i randomly stumbled across some old official replica of his outfit that was made in 2017 (seriously why only now am i finding this thing???) or do people just not know it exists?

joker canonically has sleeves, or at least he does if the replica is to be believed (and its making was supervised by shigenori soejima, who is the character designer of most modern persona games for anyone who doesn’t recognize the name). i don’t know how to cope. i genuinely thought he didn’t have sleeves outside of the overcoat. i don’t think i’ve ever seen a piece of art where joker doesn’t have his big coat on that features him with sleeves. i can’t cope guys i’m gonna fall apart this is breaking me. all i wanted to do was find a reference for something and then i stumbled across the fact that joker has sleeves.

[queerasflux]

re: your tags on the heat exhaustion post, why should you drink the water slowly?

basically, if you drink water too fast, your stomach can cramp and you'll just puke the water back up, which dehydrates you more. drink it slowly, lots of little sips, and your stomach will take the water better. also, this wasn't part of the question, but as someone who lives in a desert- you can cool someone/yourself down faster if you take a damp, cool cloth and wrap it around the front of your neck- the blood passing through there will be cooled slightly by the damp towel and help you feel better faster. hope this helped anon, and stay safe out there.

[scottguy]

These were the conditions that one right-wing news organization thought were SO laughable.

it's been nice knowing you all

[hikercarl]

How to Stay Cool While Hiking in Hot Weather

Summer is a great time to explore trails, but the heat can make it tough. We’ve found ways to stay cool and enjoy our hikes. In this article, we’ll share six tips to help you have a safe and comfy summer adventure. To stay cool, focus on three main areas: staying hydrated, protecting yourself from the sun, and using cooling tricks. These steps help you keep your energy up, avoid heat sickness,…

[fiercemillennial]

Beat the Heat: 8 Things Doctors Won't Do When It's Hot AF

Summer heat got you down? We've got the doctor-approved tips to keep you cool and collected. Beat the heat like a pro!#summertips #heatwave #wellness #fiercewellness

Stay cool, calm, and collected with these expert tips It’s summertime, and the livin’ is supposed to be easy. But when the mercury rises, it can feel more like a survival test than a vacation. So, what do the experts do to stay cool, calm, and collected? We asked (okay, we didn’t actually ask, but we did some research) and here’s what we found. 1. Ignore the Signs Doctors know that our bodies…

[seilon]

it takes about 45 minutes to get to school via walking + busses with about 25 of that being walking/waiting outside. it takes about 10 minutes by car. it’s 108 degrees. should i get a lyft? probably. but. hgsgghhhhh

[hayatheauthor]

The Anatomy of Passing Out: When, Why, and How to Write It

Passing out, or syncope, is a loss of consciousness that can play a pivotal role in storytelling, adding drama, suspense, or emotional weight to a scene. Whether it’s due to injury, fear, or exhaustion, the act of fainting can instantly shift the stakes in your story.

But how do you write it convincingly? How do you ensure it’s not overly dramatic or medically inaccurate? In this guide, I’ll walk you through the causes, stages, and aftermath of passing out. By the end, you’ll be able to craft a vivid, realistic fainting scene that enhances your narrative without feeling clichéd or contrived.

2. Common Causes of Passing Out

Characters faint for a variety of reasons, and understanding the common causes can help you decide when and why your character might lose consciousness. Below are the major categories that can lead to fainting, each with their own narrative implications.

Physical Causes

Blood Loss: A sudden drop in blood volume from a wound can cause fainting as the body struggles to maintain circulation and oxygen delivery to the brain.

Dehydration: When the body doesn’t have enough fluids, blood pressure can plummet, leading to dizziness and fainting.

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Characters with chronic low blood pressure may faint after standing up too quickly, due to insufficient blood reaching the brain.

Intense Pain: The body can shut down in response to severe pain, leading to fainting as a protective mechanism.

Heatstroke: Extreme heat can cause the body to overheat, resulting in dehydration and loss of consciousness.

Psychological Causes

Emotional Trauma or Shock: Intense fear, grief, or surprise can trigger a fainting episode, as the brain becomes overwhelmed.

Panic Attacks: The hyperventilation and increased heart rate associated with anxiety attacks can deprive the brain of oxygen, causing a character to faint.

Fear-Induced Fainting (Vasovagal Syncope): This occurs when a character is so afraid that their body’s fight-or-flight response leads to fainting.

Environmental Causes

Lack of Oxygen: Situations like suffocation, high altitudes, or enclosed spaces with poor ventilation can deprive the brain of oxygen and cause fainting.

Poisoning or Toxins: Certain chemicals or gasses (e.g., carbon monoxide) can interfere with the body’s ability to transport oxygen, leading to unconsciousness.

3. The Stages of Passing Out

To write a realistic fainting scene, it’s important to understand the stages of syncope. Fainting is usually a process, and characters will likely experience several key warning signs before they fully lose consciousness.

Pre-Syncope (The Warning Signs)

Before losing consciousness, a character will typically go through a pre-syncope phase. This period can last anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, and it’s full of physical indicators that something is wrong.

Light-Headedness and Dizziness: A feeling that the world is spinning, which can be exacerbated by movement.

Blurred or Tunnel Vision: The character may notice their vision narrowing or going dark at the edges.

Ringing in the Ears: Often accompanied by a feeling of pressure or muffled hearing.

Weakness in Limbs: The character may feel unsteady, like their legs can’t support them.

Sweating and Nausea: A sudden onset of cold sweats, clamminess, and nausea is common.

Rapid Heartbeat (Tachycardia): The heart races as it tries to maintain blood flow to the brain.

Syncope (The Loss of Consciousness)

When the character faints, the actual loss of consciousness happens quickly, often within seconds of the pre-syncope signs.

The Body Going Limp: The character will crumple to the ground, usually without the ability to break their fall.

Breathing: Breathing continues, but it may be shallow and rapid.

Pulse: While fainting, the heart rate can either slow down dramatically or remain rapid, depending on the cause.

Duration: Most fainting episodes last from a few seconds to a minute or two. Prolonged unconsciousness may indicate a more serious issue.

Post-Syncope (The Recovery)

After a character regains consciousness, they’ll typically feel groggy and disoriented. This phase can last several minutes.

Disorientation: The character may not immediately remember where they are or what happened.

Lingering Dizziness: Standing up too quickly after fainting can trigger another fainting spell.

Nausea and Headache: After waking up, the character might feel sick or develop a headache.

Weakness: Even after regaining consciousness, the body might feel weak or shaky for several hours.

4. The Physical Effects of Fainting

Fainting isn’t just about losing consciousness—there are physical consequences too. Depending on the circumstances, your character may suffer additional injuries from falling, especially if they hit something on the way down.

Impact on the Body

Falling Injuries: When someone faints, they usually drop straight to the ground, often hitting their head or body in the process. Characters may suffer cuts, bruises, or even broken bones.

Head Injuries: Falling and hitting their head on the floor or a nearby object can lead to concussions or more severe trauma.

Scrapes and Bruises: If your character faints on a rough surface or near furniture, they may sustain scrapes, bruises, or other minor injuries.

Physical Vulnerability

Uncontrolled Fall: The character’s body crumples or falls in a heap. Without the ability to brace themselves, they are at risk for further injuries.

Exposed While Unconscious: While fainted, the character is vulnerable to their surroundings. This could lead to danger in the form of attackers, environmental hazards, or secondary injuries from their immediate environment.

Signs to Look For While Unconscious

Shallow Breathing: The character's breathing will typically become shallow or irregular while they’re unconscious.

Pale or Flushed Skin: Depending on the cause of fainting, a character’s skin may become very pale or flushed.

Twitching or Muscle Spasms: In some cases, fainting can be accompanied by brief muscle spasms or jerking movements.

5. Writing Different Types of Fainting

There are different types of fainting, and each can serve a distinct narrative purpose. The way a character faints can help enhance the scene's tension or emotion.

Sudden Collapse

In this case, the character blacks out without any warning. This type of fainting is often caused by sudden physical trauma or exhaustion.

No Warning: The character simply drops, startling both themselves and those around them.

Used in High-Tension Scenes: For example, a character fighting in a battle may suddenly collapse from blood loss, raising the stakes instantly.

Slow and Gradual Fainting

This happens when a character feels themselves fading, usually due to emotional stress or exhaustion.

Internal Monologue: The character might have time to realize something is wrong and reflect on what’s happening before they lose consciousness.

Adds Suspense: The reader is aware that the character is fading but may not know when they’ll drop.

Dramatic Fainting

Some stories call for a more theatrical faint, especially in genres like historical fiction or period dramas.

Exaggerated Swooning: A character might faint from shock or fear, clutching their chest or forehead before collapsing.

Evokes a Specific Tone: This type of fainting works well for dramatic, soap-opera-like scenes where the fainting is part of the tension.

6. Aftermath: How Characters Feel After Waking Up

When your character wakes up from fainting, they’re not going to bounce back immediately. There are often lingering effects that last for minutes—or even hours.

Physical Recovery

Dizziness and Nausea: Characters might feel off-balance or sick to their stomach when they first come around.

Headaches: A headache is a common symptom post-fainting, especially if the character hits their head.

Body Aches: Muscle weakness or stiffness may persist, especially if the character fainted for a long period or in an awkward position.

Emotional and Mental Impact

Confusion: The character may not remember why they fainted or what happened leading up to the event.

Embarrassment: Depending on the situation, fainting can be humiliating, especially if it happened in front of others.

Fear: Characters who faint from emotional shock might be afraid of fainting again or of the situation that caused it.

7. Writing Tips: Making It Believable

Writing a fainting scene can be tricky. If not handled properly, it can come across as melodramatic or unrealistic. Here are some key tips to ensure your fainting scenes are both believable and impactful.

Understand the Cause

First and foremost, ensure that the cause of fainting makes sense in the context of your story. Characters shouldn’t pass out randomly—there should always be a logical reason for it.

Foreshadow the Fainting: If your character is losing blood, suffering from dehydration, or undergoing extreme emotional stress, give subtle clues that they might pass out. Show their discomfort building before they collapse.

Avoid Overuse: Fainting should be reserved for moments of high stakes or significant plot shifts. Using it too often diminishes its impact.

Balance Realism with Drama

While you want your fainting scene to be dramatic, don’t overdo it. Excessively long or theatrical collapses can feel unrealistic.

Keep It Short: Fainting typically happens fast. Avoid dragging the loss of consciousness out for too long, as it can slow down the pacing of your story.

Don’t Always Save the Character in Time: In some cases, let the character hit the ground. This adds realism, especially if they’re fainting due to an injury or traumatic event.

Consider the Aftermath

Make sure to give attention to what happens after the character faints. This part is often overlooked, but it’s important for maintaining realism and continuity.

Lingering Effects: Mention the character’s disorientation, dizziness, or confusion upon waking up. It’s rare for someone to bounce back immediately after fainting.

Reactions of Others: If other characters are present, how do they react? Are they alarmed? Do they rush to help, or are they unsure how to respond?

Avoid Overly Romanticized Fainting

In some genres, fainting is used as a dramatic or romantic plot device, but this can feel outdated and unrealistic. Try to focus on the genuine physical or emotional toll fainting takes on a character.

Stay Away from Clichés: Avoid having your character faint simply to be saved by a love interest. If there’s a romantic element, make sure it’s woven naturally into the plot rather than feeling forced.

8. Common Misconceptions About Fainting

Fainting is often misrepresented in fiction, with exaggerated symptoms or unrealistic recoveries. Here are some common myths about fainting, and the truth behind them.

Myth 1: Fainting Always Comes Without Warning

While some fainting episodes are sudden, most people experience warning signs (lightheadedness, blurred vision) before passing out. This gives the character a chance to notice something is wrong before losing consciousness.

Myth 2: Fainting Is Dramatic and Slow

In reality, fainting happens quickly—usually within a few seconds of the first warning signs. Characters won’t have time for long speeches or dramatic gestures before collapsing.

Myth 3: Characters Instantly Bounce Back

Many stories show characters waking up and being perfectly fine after fainting, but this is rarely the case. Fainting usually leaves people disoriented, weak, or even nauseous for several minutes afterward.

Myth 4: Fainting Is Harmless

In some cases, fainting can indicate a serious medical issue, like heart problems or severe dehydration. If your character is fainting frequently, it should be addressed in the story as a sign of something more severe.

Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks? 

Are you an author looking for writing tips and tricks to better your manuscript? Or do you want to learn about how to get a literary agent, get published and properly market your book? Consider checking out the rest of Quillology with Haya Sameer; a blog dedicated to writing and publishing tips for authors! While you’re at it, don’t forget to head over to my TikTok and Instagram profiles @hayatheauthor to learn more about my WIP and writing journey! 

[ataleoftwopitties]

Heatstroke in Dogs: "How hot is too hot?"

Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency when your dog's body temperature becomes too high and cannot be cooled effectively. Early detection and aggressive therapeutic intervention is required to increase the chances of survival, as well as avoiding secondary complications.

Initial symptoms may include:

Panting, Increased thirst --- indicating heat stress; a dog is still generally alert and ambulatory

Hypersalivation or foaming at the mouth, Weakness and/or collapse --- indicating progression to heat exhaustion; a dog may become non-ambulatory and although still mentally aware, may be too tired to react or get up

Heatstroke then occurs when a dog cannot regulate their body temperature, and it rises to 105 degrees F or higher.

Dogs who are elderly, obese, have thick and/or dark-colored coats, shortened muzzles (i.e. brachycephalic breeds), or pre-existing heart or respiratory conditions are at heightened risk for heatstroke.

If a dog's temperature remains elevated for too long, severe damage will begin to occur to the organs ---

Gastrointestinal: GI dysfunction will occur from inadequate blood supply and poor perfusion throughout the tract, which may then result in vomiting and/or diarrhea +/- blood.

Cardiac: Blood vessels will dilate and cardiac output increases, leading to the redistribution of blood flow and widespread hypoxia. This may then cause ventricular arrhythmias and ultimately, heart failure.

Neurologic: The brain will start to swell and bleed in certain areas, resulting in seizures, nystagmus (rapid eye movement), anisocoria (uneven pupil sizes), or even coma.

Renal/Hepatic: Kidney and liver failure result from decreased perfusion, hypoxia, and tissue damage. Even if a dog recovers from heatstroke, the kidneys and liver may have permanent damage that will require lifelong treatment.

Other complications from heatstroke may include:

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)

Rhabdomyolysis

With all of this in mind, heatstroke can be very serious and warrant an ER visit +/- hospitalization. Treatment will involve strategically cooling your pet and intensive care to avoid the secondary complications described above, and death. This might include IV fluids, GI protectants, antibiotics, oxygen therapy if your pet is in respiratory distress, and various other medications to treat cardiac and metabolic dysfunctions. In more severe cases, a dog may even require a blood/plasma transfusion. Length of hospitalization will depend on the pet's response to treatment and can range anywhere from 24 hours to weeks, if complications arise.

In the event heatstroke in a dog is suspected, owners should make every attempt to begin cooling as they transport to a veterinary facility - wetting their fur with cool (not ice cold) water, driving with the windows down (or air conditioning at its maximum capacity) can make all the difference. Studies have shown that pets who are actively cooled down before being taken to a hospital are ~2.5x more likely to survive heatstroke compared to those who are not.

Unfortunately, many dogs continue to die every year from heat-related causes - or are euthanized when there is a lack of funds for their treatment, or simply very poor prognosis. Measurements need to be taken to spread awareness about heatstroke and advocating for its prevention in our pets.

For more tips on how to keep your pet cool during heatwaves, read my other post - "5 Tips on How to Keep Your Dog Cool".

Sources/Further Reading:

Cohen, Aly. “Heatstroke: A Medical Emergency.” Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine - Riney Canine Health Center, Canine Health Information. 

Flournoy, W. Shannon, et al. “Heatstroke in Dogs: Clinical Signs, Treatment, Prognosis, and Prevention.” Compendium: Continuing Education for Veterinarians, vol. 25, no. 6, June 2023. 

Hall, Emily, et al. “Dogs Don’t Die Just in Hot Cars—Exertional Heat-Related Illness (Heatstroke) Is a Greater Threat to UK Dogs.” Animals, vol. 10, no. 8, 31 July 2020, https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10081324. 

Magazanik, A., et al. “Tap Water, an Efficient Method for Cooling Heatstroke Victims - a Model in Dogs.” Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, vol. 51, no. 9, 1 Sept. 1980. 

Newfield, Amy. “Providing Care for Dogs with Heatstroke.” Today’s Veterinary Nurse, 16 May 2019. 

Tabor, Brandy. “Heatstroke in Dogs.” Today’s Veterinary Practice, 2014. 

[frankiede]

Heatwave Survival: First Aid Advice for Families

Extreme weather conditions and record temperatures continue to dominate headlines. For families travelling to places experiencing a heatwave, it’s important to know how to spot the signs of too much heat exposure and how to treat. Below is lifesaving first aid advice from St John Ambulance with tips to help keep kids cool (especially at night).   Signs a child is experiencing a heat- related…

[happydogophiles]

Dog Care Tips for Summer: Keep Your Canine Friend Cool and Happy!

🐾🌞 Keep your furry friend safe this summer! Learn essential dog care tips to beat the heat and ensure a wagging tail all season long. 🐶❤️ #DogCareTips #SummerSafety #HappyPup 🌊🏖️

As summer arrives, it’s essential to pay extra attention to the well-being of our furry friends. The hot weather can pose various challenges and risks for dogs, including dehydration, heatstroke, paw pad burns, and more. In this article, we will provide you with valuable dog care tips to ensure your canine companion stays safe, healthy, and happy during the summer months. Importance of Hydration…

[amirasainz]

heyy,

Could i please request an F1 grid x driver reader where its a really hot race and the reader is struggling to keep racing put keeps pushing forward to finish it, and ends up completely exhausted and collapsing, and all the drivers start being really protective towards the reader and act like mother hens

Enjoy reading and send some requests!!!

-xoxo babygirl 💜

The Heat of Qatar

The Qatari Grand Prix was brutal. The desert heat seemed to radiate through every layer of the circuit, and the night race provided little relief. Despite the floodlights, the air felt heavy, humid, and unrelenting. For Y/N, just 18 years old and in her first season with Red Bull Racing, this was her toughest challenge yet. A bright young talent with nerves of steel, she’d handled every twist and turn of the track that day like a pro. But by the time she pulled into parc fermé, her body was at its limit.

As she climbed out of her RB, her legs trembled. She grabbed onto the side of the car for balance but barely had time to steady herself before her vision blurred. The cheers of the crowd and the hum of engines faded into the background as her knees buckled. She collapsed onto the asphalt.

---

“Y/N!” Charles sharp voice was the first to cut through the chaos. He was out of his Ferrari in seconds, sprinting toward her as she crumpled.

Carlos, who had been taking a swig of water, dropped his bottle and ran to help. “Y/N! Are you okay?!” His voice was tinged with panic.

Max jumped out of his car, cursing under his breath. “Bloody hell, what happened?” His piercing blue eyes scanned her pale, sweat-drenched face as he crouched beside her.

By now, nearly all the drivers had abandoned their debriefs to surround her. Lando and Oscar exchanged worried glances, already flagging down the medics, while Lewis and George pushed through the cluster to make sure she had space to breathe.

“Move, give her air!” Lewis ordered, his voice firm but calm.

---

The medics arrived quickly, but the drivers were relentless in their concern. “We’ll handle this,” Carlos said, almost shooing one of the medics away. “We’ve got it.”

Charles was already cradling Y/N’s head, his hand gently brushing her damp hair away from her face. “It’s okay, Y/N. You’re going to be fine,” he murmured, his voice soft as he tried to soothe her unconscious form.

Lando crouched beside them, looking at the medics. “What do we do? Is it dehydration? Heatstroke? What’s going on?”

Oscar, his normally calm demeanor cracking, added, “Should we get her more water? Electrolytes? Do you have an IV?”

“Let them work,” Max snapped, but his tone lacked its usual sharpness. He was kneeling next to Y/N, holding a water bottle and unscrewing the cap. “When she wakes up, she’s drinking this. No arguments.”

---

They carried her carefully to the medical center, with Carlos holding her legs and Charles supporting her upper body. Lewis draped his cooling towel over her forehead, muttering, “This will help with the heat.”

Once inside, the doctors began their evaluation, but the drivers were relentless. They hovered like a pack of mother hens, ignoring all instructions to leave.

“Honestly, we’re making sure she’s okay,” Carlos argued when one of the medics suggested they step outside. He was kneeling by her side, dabbing her neck with a fresh cold towel. “She’s part of this family.”

Max handed the water bottle to Y/N, who was slowly regaining consciousness. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she blinked at the concerned faces surrounding her.

“Max?” she croaked, her throat dry.

“Drink this,” he instructed, his tone softer than usual. He held the bottle up to her lips and coaxed her into taking small sips. “You scared the hell out of us.”

Charles exhaled a sigh of relief, his hand still in her hair. “You’re okay. Just rest. We’ve got you.”

“Y/N, don’t ever do that again,” Carlos said, his voice trembling slightly. He patted her shoulder and then her neck again with the towel, as if unable to stop himself.

Lewis, who had been standing back, approached with a blanket. “She’s sweating too much—her body might go into shock.” He draped the blanket over her with care, ensuring it didn’t overwhelm her.

“I feel… dizzy,” Y/N admitted, her voice barely a whisper.

Oscar, visibly distressed, turned to one of the medics. “What else can we do? What’s the protocol for this?”

“You’re doing everything right,” the medic assured him. “She needs fluids, rest, and time.”

---

The drivers took that to heart. Lando knelt down beside her, his brow furrowed. “Y/N, just focus on breathing, okay? Deep breaths. You’re tough. You’ve got this.”

Oscar added, “You’re the strongest person we know. This is just a bad moment.”

“Yeah,” Max interjected, trying to lighten the mood. “If you can survive working with Christian, you can survive this.”

That earned a faint smile from Y/N, which sent a wave of relief through the group.

Charles continued stroking her hair, his touch gentle. “If you need anything—anything at all—we’re here.”

Carlos, who hadn’t left her side, was now holding her hand. “You’ve been incredible today. The heat got to all of us. Don’t blame yourself.”

Lewis adjusted the blanket slightly. “Your body’s just telling you it needs a break. Listen to it.”

Y/N’s voice was barely audible, but she managed a quiet, “Thank you… all of you.”

---

They stayed with her for hours, refusing to leave until they were certain she was stable. Eventually, Christian Horner and the team staff arrived, but even then, the drivers lingered, their protectiveness unwavering.

As they filed out one by one, Max leaned down and whispered, “Next time, don’t push yourself this hard, okay snoepje? We need you out there—alive.”

Charles, the last to leave, pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Rest, Y/N. You’ve earned it.”

Though exhausted, Y/N felt a warmth that had nothing to do with the sweltering Qatari night. Her family on the grid had her back, no matter what.