What should you know about emergency treatment for heat stroke?

Heat stroke occurs when the body cannot release heat effectively and temperature rises to a dangerous level. Brain changes such as confusion, unusual behaviour, fainting, seizures, or reduced alertness are especially concerning. Skin may be hot, but sweating can be present or absent. Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, so a person who is confused or collapsing should not be managed as though they only need rest and fluids.

Call emergency services immediately. Move the person to shade or an air-conditioned place, remove unnecessary outer clothing, and cool the skin with cool water, wet cloths, or cold packs placed near the neck, armpits, and groin. Fan the skin if possible. Stay with them and place an unconscious but breathing person on their side. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, vomiting, having seizures, or unable to swallow safely.

Emergency assessment is needed for confusion, fainting, seizures, severe weakness, very hot skin, difficulty breathing, or worsening symptoms after heat exposure. Vomiting can prevent safe drinking and increase dehydration, while a fever-like high temperature after exertion needs urgent assessment. Do not delay help to measure temperature repeatedly or wait for cooling to work.

After recovery, ask what likely caused the episode, how to prevent another one, when activity can resume, and whether medicines or a health condition increase heat risk. Ask whether hospital treatment such as IV fluids was needed or should be considered if dehydration persists.