What should you know about non-exertional heat stroke?

This form can affect someone who is resting or doing ordinary activities during severe heat, particularly older adults, babies, and people with chronic illness. Certain medicines and limited access to cooling can increase vulnerability. Warning features include hot skin, confusion, unusual behaviour, collapse, severe weakness, or a seizure. The person may or may not sweat, so sweating does not rule it out. Heat Exhaustion can progress and needs attention when symptoms worsen.

Call emergency services at once. Move the person to shade or air conditioning, remove unnecessary clothing, and cool the skin with cool wet cloths, fanning, or a cool bath if this can be done safely. Stay with them and monitor breathing. Do not give drinks to a confused, drowsy, vomiting, or unconscious person, and do not delay help by trying to manage the condition at home. Hospital treatment may include IV Fluid Therapy and controlled cooling.

Any confusion, collapse, seizure, loss of consciousness, or very hot skin after heat exposure is an emergency. Vomiting, a severe headache, or a Fever-like rise in temperature with altered behaviour also warrants immediate help. Even if the person seems better after cooling, urgent assessment is needed because heat injury can affect the brain and other organs.

What may have made this episode more likely? Could any medicine affect heat regulation? What cooling plan is suitable for our household? Which early symptoms should prompt emergency action?