When Heat Stroke Occurs

The body normally loses heat through sweating and increased blood flow to the skin. In very hot or humid conditions, during strenuous activity, or when dehydration limits those responses, heat can build faster than it can escape. Confusion, unusual behaviour, drowsiness, poor coordination or a seizure indicate that the brain is being affected. Heat exhaustion may come first, but heat stroke can also develop quickly.

Call emergency services as soon as heat stroke is suspected. Move the person into a cool place, remove excess clothing, wet the skin and use fans or cool packs while waiting. Keep cooling during transport if possible. Give drinks only when the person is fully alert and swallowing normally; never give anything by mouth to someone who is confused, vomiting or unconscious. Hospital clinicians may provide IV Fluid Therapy and check for organ injury.

Emergency care is needed for altered awareness, collapse, seizure, severe weakness, hot skin with worsening symptoms, or repeated vomiting after heat exposure. A fever-like temperature alone does not distinguish heat stroke, so do not delay help while trying to measure it. Record when the exposure began and any medicines or health conditions that may affect heat tolerance.

Ask what caused the episode, how quickly cooling worked, whether kidney or liver tests need repeating, when normal activity is safe, and how to prevent another episode in UAE heat.