When does heat stroke happen?

The body gains heat faster than it can lose it during hot weather, intense exercise, poorly ventilated spaces or heavy protective clothing. Dehydration, lack of acclimatisation, alcohol, a recent illness and some medicines can make cooling harder. Heat stroke may develop after heat exhaustion, but it can also appear suddenly. The defining danger is a change in brain function, such as confusion, unusual behaviour, poor balance, seizure or loss of consciousness, together with severe overheating.

Call emergency services as soon as heat stroke is suspected. Move the person to shade or air conditioning, take off extra layers and cool the skin with wet cloths, cool water and a fan. Keep checking breathing and stay with them. Offer small sips only if they are awake and swallowing normally; never force fluids during confusion, seizure or vomiting. Hospital treatment may include active cooling, observation and IV fluid therapy.

Treat collapse, confusion, seizure, severe headache, repeated vomiting, breathing trouble or inability to drink as an emergency. Get prompt medical help for persistent dizziness, weakness, very dark or infrequent urine, or symptoms that return after cooling. Do not rely on touch alone to judge temperature, and do not let a person with possible heat stroke drive themselves to care.

Ask how to pace activity in hot conditions, how often to take cooling breaks, which fluids are suitable, and whether your medicines or health conditions increase heat risk. Check what recovery signs should be present before returning to work, sport or outdoor activities.