What should you know about rapid cooling for heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a medical emergency involving dangerous overheating and changes in brain function. Warning signs can include confusion, collapse, seizure, unusual behaviour, very hot skin, severe weakness, or vomiting. It can follow heat exhaustion, but a person may worsen quickly and does not need to have every classic sign. Fever from infection is different from heat stroke, although both can involve a high temperature.

Call emergency services, move the person out of the heat, remove excess clothing, and begin active cooling. Use cool water, wet cloths, fans, or a cool bath if safe; keep cooling continuously while help is coming. Stay with the person and monitor breathing. If they are unconscious or vomiting, place them safely on their side when possible. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, drowsy, having seizures, or unable to swallow. IV Fluid Therapy may be needed by medical professionals.

Call emergency services immediately for confusion, collapse, seizure, severe weakness, or suspected heat stroke. Do not wait for a thermometer reading or try to manage these signs at home. Persistent vomiting, faintness, worsening headache, or symptoms after heat exposure also need urgent assessment.

What caused the overheating, and are there medicines or health conditions that raise my risk? How should I recover after treatment? Which warning signs mean I need emergency help again?