Extreme heat stroke: what you should know

Heat stroke happens when the body cannot control its temperature after intense heat exposure, exertion, or both. Confusion, unusual behaviour, fainting, seizures, severe weakness, hot skin, headache, nausea, or vomiting can occur. Sweating may be present or absent, so do not use dry skin as a test. Heat exhaustion can worsen into heat stroke; see [Heat Exhaustion](/conditions/heat-exhaustion/) for the earlier warning pattern.

Call emergency services and stay with the person. Remove extra clothing, place them in shade or air conditioning, and cool the skin with wet cloths, cool water, or a fan. Put ice packs wrapped in cloth near the neck, armpits, and groin if available. Do not give food or drink to someone who is confused, drowsy, vomiting, or unable to swallow safely; they could choke. If they are unconscious but breathing, place them on their side and keep checking their breathing. Do not give fever medicine, as overheating from heat stroke is different from an infection-related [Fever](/symptoms/fever/).

Seek emergency help immediately for confusion, collapse, seizure, severe breathing difficulty, or suspected heat stroke. Do not transport a severely unwell person alone or delay while trying home remedies. Emergency clinicians may continue active cooling, monitor vital functions, and give [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/) when needed. Repeated [Vomiting](/symptoms/vomiting/) also needs urgent assessment because it can make dehydration worse.

Ask what caused the overheating, whether the kidneys or other organs need checking, how to return safely to activity, and which medicines or health conditions may increase heat risk.