What should you know about features of heat stroke?

A person with heat stroke may be confused, unusually drowsy, agitated, faint, unsteady, or having a seizure. The skin can feel hot and may be dry or sweaty. Headache, weakness, fast breathing, nausea, and vomiting can also occur. A person may not be able to describe what is happening, so a sudden change in behaviour after heat exposure is a key warning.

Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, but heat stroke can also develop rapidly during intense activity or in a very hot environment. Fever from infection is different, although both can involve a raised temperature. Never use the absence of sweating to rule out heat stroke.

Call emergency services immediately. Move the person to shade or a cool indoor place, remove excess clothing, and begin active cooling with cool wet cloths, water spray, and fanning, or a cool bath if safe. Keep cooling going while waiting for help.

Do not give fluids to a confused, drowsy, or unconscious person, because they may choke. Do not leave them alone. If they are awake and able to swallow, small sips may be considered while emergency advice is followed, but drinking must not delay rescue or cooling.

Treat confusion, collapse, seizure, loss of consciousness, or severe overheating after heat exposure as an emergency. Hospital care may include monitoring and IV Fluid Therapy to correct fluid and electrolyte problems. Vomiting, worsening weakness, or inability to drink also requires urgent assessment.

Ask what most likely caused the episode, when it is safe to return to exercise or outdoor work, how to plan cooling and hydration, and whether medicines or a medical condition increase your heat risk. Ask how to recognise Heat Exhaustion before it becomes more severe.