Body temperature and heat stroke

Heat stroke develops when the body cannot control its temperature after heat exposure. Skin may be hot and flushed, but sweating can be present or absent. Readings differ between forehead, ear, mouth, and armpit devices, and cooling can lower the result before the illness has resolved. Confusion, unusual behaviour, drowsiness, seizure, poor coordination, or collapse are critical warning signs. Vomiting may make drinking unsafe. Heat exhaustion can precede heat stroke, while an infection-related fever is a different process; heat exposure plus altered mental function needs emergency treatment.

Call emergency services and move the person to a cool place. Remove extra clothing and cool them with wet cloths, water spray, fanning, or other available cooling measures. If they are alert and swallowing normally, offer small sips; never force drinks. Put an unconscious but breathing person on their side and keep watching their breathing. Do not leave them alone or delay help while trying to obtain another temperature reading.

Any altered mental state, fainting, seizure, collapse, or rapid deterioration after heat exposure warrants emergency care. Persistent vomiting or inability to drink also needs urgent assessment. Hospital teams may provide active cooling, observation, and IV fluid therapy. Arrange emergency transport when possible rather than driving a confused or severely weak person.

Ask what caused the overheating, whether medicines or medical conditions increase risk, how to plan safe activity in hot weather, and which early symptoms require immediate action next time. Share the exposure duration and cooling steps used.