Is heat stroke safe in outdoor workers?

Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature during heat exposure or strenuous activity. The key danger is altered brain function: confusion, collapse, seizure, unusual behaviour, or loss of consciousness. Skin may be hot and flushed, but sweating can be present or absent, so sweating does not rule it out. Outdoor work, heavy protective equipment, dehydration, and limited recovery breaks can all add strain.

Call emergency services and state that heat stroke is suspected. Move the worker out of the heat, remove outer clothing, and begin active cooling with cool water, wet cloths, fanning, or an ice-water bath if safely available. Stay with the person and place them on their side if they are unconscious but breathing. Do not give food, drink, or medicines to someone who is confused, drowsy, having a seizure, or unable to swallow.

Every suspected case needs emergency medical assessment, even if the worker seems better after cooling. Do not wait for a temperature reading or transport the person alone. A clinician may need to check brain function, circulation, kidney function, and other effects of severe overheating. Fainting, seizure, confusion, collapse, or persistent vomiting makes the emergency especially clear.

After recovery, ask when physical work can restart, whether any medicines or health conditions raise risk, and what follow-up checks are needed. Ask the employer or occupational clinician about shaded rest areas, water access, acclimatisation, buddy checks, and a written emergency response plan.