What should you know about evaporative cooling for heat stroke?

Evaporative cooling uses water on the skin combined with moving air. As water evaporates, it removes heat from the body. Heat stroke is a medical emergency in which the body's temperature regulation is overwhelmed; confusion, unusual behaviour, collapse, hot skin, headache, nausea or seizures may occur. This is different from Heat Exhaustion, which can cause heavy sweating, weakness and dizziness but may progress if exposure continues. Evaporative cooling is first aid, not a substitute for emergency assessment.

Call emergency services, move the person into shade or a cool indoor space, remove unnecessary clothing, and wet the skin with cool water. Use a fan or create airflow, and continue cooling while help travels. Place an unconscious but breathing person on their side and monitor breathing. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, vomiting or unable to swallow safely. Healthcare professionals may use IV Fluid Therapy and other treatments.

Treat suspected heat stroke as urgent even if the person seems better after cooling. Emergency help is essential for confusion, fainting, seizure, severe weakness, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, or inability to drink. Stay with the person and tell responders how long the heat exposure lasted and what cooling was attempted.

Ask how to recognise heat stroke in your circumstances, how to prevent another episode, and whether medicines or health conditions increase heat risk. Ask when symptoms such as Fever or Vomiting after heat exposure require reassessment.