Fever due to heat stroke: what to know

Heat stroke means the body is failing to control its temperature. It can follow heat exhaustion, intense exertion, or prolonged heat exposure, but it can also occur without obvious warning. Confusion, unusual behaviour, loss of coordination, fainting, seizure, severe headache, vomiting, or hot skin are concerning. Sweating may continue or may stop, so sweating alone cannot rule heat stroke in or out. The brain and other organs can be harmed as the emergency progresses.

Call emergency services immediately and state that heat stroke is suspected. Move the person out of the heat, remove outer clothing, and begin rapid cooling with cool wet cloths, water mist, fans, or a cool bath if this can be done safely. Stay with them and monitor breathing. Do not give food or drink to a confused, drowsy, vomiting, or unconscious person, and do not delay the call while trying to measure temperature.

Emergency assessment is needed for altered mental state, collapse, seizure, severe weakness, breathing problems, or repeated vomiting after heat exposure. Even if the person seems better after cooling, medical review remains necessary because internal injury may not be obvious. Hospital treatment can include close monitoring and IV fluid therapy, depending on the clinical findings.

Ask what caused the episode, whether organs need monitoring, when normal activity is safe, and how to prevent another heat illness. Tell the clinician about exertion, medicines, alcohol, fluid intake, and the time symptoms began.