First aid for sunstroke

Sunstroke, also called heat stroke, is a medical emergency in which the body cannot control its temperature. The person may be confused, unusually sleepy, faint, have hot skin, a very high temperature, a seizure, or lose consciousness. Sweating may be present or absent, so do not wait for dry skin before getting help.

Call emergency services immediately and stay with the person. Move them into shade or an air-conditioned room. Remove extra clothing, loosen tight layers, and cool the skin with cool wet cloths, water mist, or a fan. If available and safe, place ice packs wrapped in cloth near the neck, armpits, and groin. Turn an unconscious person onto their side and check breathing. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, drowsy, vomiting, or unable to swallow; never leave them alone to recover.

Treat suspected sunstroke as an emergency even if cooling appears to help. Call for urgent help for confusion, collapse, seizure, severe weakness, hot skin, or a high temperature after heat exposure. Do not drive an unwell or confused person yourself. A clinician may need to monitor the brain, kidneys, heart, and hydration; IV Fluid Therapy may be used in acute care.

Ask what heat exposure or medicines may have increased the risk, how to return safely to activity, and which warning signs should prompt immediate review.