Heat Stroke: What to Do

Heat stroke happens when the body cannot release heat effectively and its temperature control begins to fail. The person may be confused, unusually drowsy, faint, unsteady, or have a seizure. Skin can feel hot and may be dry, but sweating can still occur. Headache, nausea and vomiting may also appear. This is more serious than heat exhaustion; untreated heat illness can injure the brain and other organs.

Call emergency services as soon as heat stroke is suspected. While waiting, take the person out of the heat, remove extra clothing, and cool the skin with water, wet cloths, fans, or cold packs wrapped in fabric placed at the neck, armpits and groin. Keep cooling continuously. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, vomiting, having a seizure, or unable to swallow safely, and do not leave them alone. If they are unconscious but breathing normally, place them on their side and monitor their breathing.

Seek emergency help immediately for confusion, collapse, seizure, loss of consciousness, severe weakness, or very hot skin after heat exposure. Emergency assessment is also needed if vomiting prevents drinking or the person does not improve promptly after cooling. Do not drive an impaired person yourself if an ambulance is available. Clinicians may check temperature, consciousness, breathing and hydration, then provide monitored cooling and treatments such as IV Fluid Therapy.

Ask what may have increased the risk, whether medicines or a medical condition affect heat tolerance, how to plan fluids and shade during hot weather, and which symptoms should trigger emergency action next time.