First aid management of heat stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool itself. It can follow strenuous activity or prolonged heat exposure and may cause confusion, unusual behaviour, fainting, seizures, hot skin, vomiting, or a very high temperature. It is more dangerous than Heat Exhaustion and can injure the brain and other organs without prompt treatment.

Call emergency services, move the person to shade or an air-conditioned place, and remove excess clothing. Cool them with water-soaked cloths, gentle spraying, and a fan; place wrapped cold packs at the neck, armpits, and groin when available. Keep checking breathing and responsiveness. Put an unconscious but breathing person on their side. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, drowsy, vomiting, having a seizure, or unable to swallow, and do not leave them alone.

Every suspected heat stroke episode needs emergency medical assessment, even if the person seems better after cooling. Call immediately for confusion, collapse, seizure, severe weakness, hot skin, vomiting, or a high temperature after heat exposure. Emergency clinicians may use monitoring, controlled cooling, and IV Fluid Therapy while checking for effects on organs.

After recovery, ask when exercise or outdoor work is safe, how to plan cooling breaks, and whether any medicine or health condition increases your heat risk.