What should you know about sun stroke definition?

The defining concern is a change in the nervous system: confusion, fainting, seizure, unusual behaviour, poor coordination or difficulty waking. The skin may feel very hot and can be dry or sweaty. This differs from heat exhaustion, where a person may be weak, dizzy, nauseated and sweating but remains mentally clear. Heat exhaustion can progress, so it still deserves prompt cooling and close observation.

Call emergency services for suspected sun stroke. Move the person out of heat, remove unnecessary layers and cool them with wet cloths, water spray, a fan or another safe cooling method. Keep checking breathing. If they are unconscious but breathing, place them on their side. Do not give food or drink to someone whose alertness or swallowing is impaired.

Any altered mental state after substantial heat exposure warrants urgent help. Collapse, seizure, worsening drowsiness, severe breathlessness or inability to drink safely are especially concerning. Do not use improvement after a short period of cooling as proof that assessment is unnecessary. Contact a GP Consultation service for prevention advice once the immediate episode has been assessed.

Ask how to recognise early heat illness, when you can resume work or exercise, and whether your medicines or medical conditions affect temperature control. Share what the person was doing, where they were, how long symptoms lasted and what cooling was attempted.