Remedies for sun stroke

Heat stroke is a dangerous failure of the body’s temperature control after heat exposure or exertion. The person may be confused, faint, unusually drowsy, have a seizure, or develop hot skin and a severe headache. Sweating may be present or absent, so do not use dry skin as a test. Numbness and Tingling can occur with heat illness, but new one-sided numbness, facial drooping, speech trouble, or loss of balance may instead indicate Stroke and needs immediate emergency action.

Call emergency services immediately. Move the person out of direct sun, remove extra clothing, and cool the skin with cool wet cloths, fanning, or a cool shower if safe. Stay with them and monitor breathing. Do not give drinks to a confused, vomiting, faint, or unconscious person, and do not use alcohol on the skin. If they are alert and able to swallow, small sips of cool water may be offered while help is coming. People with Hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes, or heart rhythm conditions should ask their clinician how heat affects their usual medicines; do not change treatment independently.

Treat confusion, collapse, seizure, severe weakness, very hot skin, or reduced responsiveness after heat exposure as an emergency. If the person is unconscious and not breathing normally, call emergency services and begin resuscitation if trained. Even when the person improves, medical assessment is needed because heat stroke can affect organs after cooling begins.

Could my medicines or medical conditions increase heat risk? What cooling and hydration plan is sensible for me? When should I attend a GP Consultation after a heat illness?