What should you know about hypothermia heat stroke?

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Shivering, pale or cold skin, tiredness, clumsiness, slurred speech, slow breathing, and confusion can develop. Heat stroke occurs when the body cannot control a rising internal temperature, often after intense heat or exertion. It can cause hot skin, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, unusual behaviour, collapse, or seizures; sweating may be present or absent.

Heat exhaustion can precede heat stroke, with heavy sweating, weakness, thirst, headache, and dizziness. Once confusion, collapse, or altered alertness appears, treat the situation as an emergency rather than waiting for home measures to work.

For suspected heat stroke, call emergency services, move the person to a cool place, remove excess clothing, and cool the skin with wet cloths, water, or cool air while waiting. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused or unable to swallow safely. For suspected hypothermia, move the person indoors, remove wet clothing, wrap them in dry layers, and warm the centre of the body gently. Handle them carefully and avoid a hot bath or vigorous rubbing. If they are awake and able to swallow, warm drinks may be offered.

Emergency help is needed for confusion, fainting, seizure, severe drowsiness, abnormal breathing, collapse, or inability to drink safely. Seek prompt assessment after significant cold exposure, persistent vomiting, worsening weakness, or symptoms that do not improve after leaving the heat. Do not leave an affected person alone.

Ask how to reduce your risk in local heat or cold, whether a medicine affects temperature control, and when vomiting or dehydration may require IV Fluid Therapy.