What should you know about human heat stroke symptoms?

Heat stroke can cause confusion, unusual behaviour, fainting, seizures, severe weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting. The skin may feel hot and flushed; sweating can be present or absent, so sweating does not rule it out. Body temperature may be very high, but do not delay help while trying to measure it. Heat exhaustion can worsen into heat stroke, especially after exertion or prolonged exposure to a hot environment. Fever is a different process, although both can involve feeling hot and unwell.

Call emergency medical services immediately. Move the person to shade or a cool indoor area, remove unnecessary outer clothing, and cool the skin with cool wet cloths, water spray or a fan. Place an unconscious person on their side and stay with them. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, vomiting, having a seizure or unable to swallow safely. Do not use fever medicines as a substitute for rapid cooling and emergency care.

Treat confusion, collapse, seizure, severe breathing difficulty or inability to drink after heat exposure as an emergency. Urgent assessment is also needed when a person remains very hot or becomes less alert despite moving to a cooler place. Vomiting can cause dehydration and may prevent safe drinking, so it is a reason to seek prompt medical advice. Hospital treatment may include IV fluid therapy and close monitoring.

After recovery, ask what triggered the episode, how to return safely to activity, and how to plan fluids, rest and cooling during hot weather. Discuss medicines or health conditions that may increase heat risk.