Heat stroke warning signs and what to do

Heat stroke affects the nervous system as the body loses control of cooling. Someone may become irritable, confused, unsteady, sleepy or unable to answer normally. The skin may be hot and flushed, and the pulse and breathing may become fast. Sweating can be present or absent. Heat Exhaustion can cause heavy sweating and weakness without the same degree of altered thinking, but symptoms can progress.

Call emergency services at once. Move the person into shade or air conditioning, remove extra clothing and cool them with wet cloths, cool water and fanning. Keep checking breathing. If they are unconscious but breathing, place them on their side. Never leave a confused person alone and never force fluids when they cannot swallow safely.

Do not wait for a temperature reading if a person collapses, has a seizure, becomes confused or cannot walk normally after overheating. Vomiting, breathing difficulty or worsening drowsiness also warrants emergency care. Fever can resemble heat-related temperature elevation, but heat exposure plus neurological change requires urgent assessment. Medical staff can cool the body and consider IV Fluid Therapy.

Ask what you should do if symptoms begin at work, on a beach or during exercise, and how to adapt activity, clothing and breaks. Discuss any medicines or illnesses that may affect sweating, circulation or fluid balance.