What should you know about summer heat stroke?

Heat stroke occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. The person may become confused, unusually drowsy, unsteady, faint, or have a seizure. Skin may feel very hot; sweating can be present or absent. This is different from heat exhaustion, which can cause weakness, headache, nausea, and heavy sweating but should still be taken seriously.

Call emergency services immediately. Move the person to shade or an air-conditioned place, remove extra clothing, and cool the skin with cool wet cloths, water mist, or a fan. Do not leave them alone. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, very drowsy, vomiting, or unable to swallow safely. Emergency clinicians may provide monitored treatment, including IV Fluid Therapy when appropriate.

Do not wait for the person to recover at home if there is confusion, collapse, seizure, severe headache, hot skin, or a marked change in behaviour. Emergency assessment is also needed when symptoms follow prolonged heat exposure and the person cannot drink or keeps vomiting. Even after cooling, medical observation may be needed because internal effects can continue.

How should I recover after heat stroke? Are any medicines, illnesses, or work conditions increasing my heat risk? When can I safely return to exercise or outdoor work?