What should you know about getting heat stroke?

Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. Confusion, unusual behaviour, collapse, seizure, loss of consciousness, or inability to respond are warning signs. Skin may be hot and flushed, but sweating can be present or absent, so sweating does not rule it out. Heat exhaustion can precede heat stroke, yet heat stroke may also develop quickly during intense heat or exertion. Fever-like overheating can resemble infection, which is another reason not to wait for a home diagnosis.

Call emergency services immediately. Move the person to shade or air conditioning, remove unnecessary clothing, and cool them rapidly with wet cloths, cool water, fanning, or ice packs wrapped in cloth at the neck, armpits, and groin. Stay with them and monitor breathing. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, drowsy, vomiting, or unable to swallow safely. Do not give fever medicines as a substitute for cooling and emergency treatment. Hospital care may include close monitoring and IV Fluid Therapy.

Every suspected case requires emergency assessment, especially with confusion, fainting, seizure, severe headache, repeated vomiting, breathing problems, or collapse. Even if the person seems better after cooling, complications can affect the brain, kidneys, muscles, and other organs. Do not drive an unconscious or confused person yourself; follow the emergency dispatcher’s instructions.

Ask which activities and medicines may increase risk, how to plan cooling and hydration for future heat, and when it is safe to return to work, exercise, or travel. Arrange follow-up if the episode involved confusion, collapse, or hospital treatment.