Signs of sunstroke in adults

The body is failing to control its temperature. Skin may be hot and flushed, and sweating may be present or reduced. Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and a very high temperature can occur. Confusion, unusual behaviour, slurred speech, loss of coordination, seizure, or fainting are especially serious because heat is affecting the brain.

Call emergency services immediately. Move the adult to a cool place, remove excess clothing, and cool the skin with wet cloths, fanning, or wrapped cool packs. Watch breathing and follow the operator’s advice. Do not give fluids to a confused, vomiting, seizing, or unconscious person; place an unconscious breathing person on their side.

Emergency care is needed for confusion, collapse, seizure, fainting, very hot skin, or rapid worsening. Do not wait for symptoms to settle. Earlier heat exhaustion symptoms such as vomiting or dizziness also warrant urgent assessment when they worsen or do not improve after cooling.

Ask what cooling and fluid treatment was required, whether complications need monitoring, and how to reduce risk during future heat exposure. Confirm when normal activity and exercise can resume.