Heat or Sun Stroke: What to Know

Sunstroke is not a separate mild form of sunburn. It refers to heat stroke, which can follow prolonged heat exposure, physical exertion, dehydration or time in a hot environment. The body loses its ability to regulate temperature. Warning signs include confusion, unusual behaviour, fainting, severe headache, vomiting, seizures, or difficulty staying awake. A person may sweat heavily or have hot skin with little sweating. Heat stroke can affect anyone, including people without a previous health problem.

Call emergency services immediately if these signs are present. Move the person into shade or air conditioning, remove unnecessary clothing, and cool them with wet cloths, water, airflow, or wrapped cold packs at major skin-fold areas. Continue cooling while help is coming. Keep checking their breathing and responsiveness. If they are unconscious but breathing, turn them onto their side. Do not offer food or drink to a confused, drowsy, vomiting or convulsing person because they may choke.

Emergency care is needed for confusion, collapse, seizure, loss of consciousness, trouble breathing, or a marked change in behaviour after heat exposure. It is also needed when symptoms continue or worsen despite moving indoors and cooling. A GP Consultation can help assess less severe heat-related symptoms, but suspected heat stroke should not wait for a routine appointment. Tell clinicians about the heat exposure, activity, medicines, and any known conditions such as Hypertension, Atrial Fibrillation or Type 2 Diabetes.

Ask how to recognise early heat illness, whether your medicines or health conditions change your risk, how to exercise safely in hot weather, and how to prepare a cooling plan for work, travel or outdoor activities.