Fainting from heat stroke

Heat stroke is more serious than ordinary discomfort in hot weather or early heat exhaustion. The brain and other organs can be affected as body temperature rises. Fainting, confusion, unusual behaviour, seizure, severe weakness, or inability to respond are warning signs. Vomiting can make fluid replacement unsafe and delay cooling.

Do not wait for a temperature reading or assume sweating rules heat stroke out. A person who collapses in severe heat needs emergency assessment, especially if alertness is not returning normally.

Call emergency services, move the person to a cooler place, remove excess clothing, and cool the body rapidly with cool water, wet cloths, fanning, or a cool bath when safe. Place an unconscious but breathing person on their side and monitor breathing. Do not give water, food, or medicine to someone who is unconscious, confused, or vomiting.

Every faint linked with suspected heat stroke needs emergency help. Confusion, seizure, collapse, persistent vomiting, severe headache, breathing difficulty, or failure to wake are especially urgent. Hospital treatment may include monitored cooling and IV fluid therapy; do not drive the affected person yourself if their alertness is abnormal.

Ask what caused the overheating, how to re-enter work or exercise safely, and whether medicines or medical conditions raise your heat risk. Tell the clinician about exposure, exertion, fluids, symptoms, and any loss of consciousness.