Caring for a Patient with Heat Stroke

Heat stroke can affect the brain as well as the skin and circulation. The patient may be confused, irritable, unusually sleepy, unsteady, faint or unable to answer normally. Seizures and vomiting can occur. Skin may feel very hot, but sweating can be present or absent, so sweating does not rule out heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is less severe, yet deterioration should be treated seriously.

Call emergency services and move the patient to a cool environment. Remove unnecessary clothing, wet the skin and improve airflow with a fan. Use cool packs on the neck, armpits and groin with a cloth barrier. Keep checking breathing and responsiveness. If alert, the patient may take small sips of water; if confused, vomiting or unconscious, give nothing by mouth. Medical staff may use IV Fluid Therapy and laboratory tests.

Treat collapse, confusion, seizure, severe weakness, repeated vomiting or a worsening headache as emergency warning signs. Do not drive an unstable or unconscious patient yourself. Tell clinicians about exposure to heat, exercise, fluid intake, medicines and existing kidney, heart or neurological conditions. Continue cooling while waiting, without wrapping the patient in heavy blankets.

Ask how alertness, temperature, urine output and blood tests will be followed, what symptoms require return to hospital, and how the patient should plan rest, fluids and gradual heat exposure during recovery.