Heat stroke emergency: what to do

Heat stroke happens when the body cannot shed heat effectively. The resulting overheating can affect the brain, heart, kidneys, muscles, and blood clotting. Warning signs include confusion, fainting, seizure, severe weakness, hot skin, headache, nausea, or vomiting. Sweating may be present or absent. Heat exhaustion may precede it, but a change in alertness makes the situation an emergency rather than something to manage at home.

Phone emergency services and say that heat stroke is suspected. Take the person out of the heat, remove unnecessary layers, and cool them quickly with wet clothing, cool water, ice packs wrapped in cloth, and moving air. Never leave them alone. Do not make a confused, unconscious, or vomiting person drink. If they are unconscious but breathing, place them on their side; if breathing stops, begin resuscitation if trained and directed by the dispatcher. Hospital care may include IV Fluid Therapy and monitoring.

Every suspected case needs urgent medical assessment, particularly when there is confusion, collapse, seizure, severe headache, repeated vomiting, or trouble breathing. Do not drive an unwell or confused person yourself if an ambulance is available. Even after the skin feels cooler, organ injury may not be obvious, so do not cancel help because the person briefly seems better.

Ask what monitoring was needed, whether follow-up blood or organ checks are appropriate, and when the person can return to exertion. Discuss a hydration, shade, rest, and medication plan for future hot days.