Symptoms of sun stroke

Heat stroke happens when the body cannot release heat effectively. The person may have a severe headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, unusual behaviour, slurred speech, or loss of coordination. Sweating may be heavy or may stop; dry skin is not required for heat stroke.

This is different from heat exhaustion, which can cause sweating, weakness and light-headedness without the same change in mental state. Confusion, collapse, or a seizure signals a medical emergency, whatever the weather or the amount of sun exposure.

Call emergency services straight away. Move the person to shade or a cool indoor place, remove excess clothing, and cool the skin with cool wet cloths, fans, or water while help is coming. Stay with them and monitor breathing.

Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, vomiting, very drowsy, or unable to swallow safely. Do not rely on rest alone or delay help to see whether symptoms settle. A GP consultation is suitable for milder heat-related symptoms after recovery, not for suspected heat stroke.

Treat confusion, fainting, seizure, severe weakness, trouble breathing, or a very hot body as an emergency. A person who cannot answer normally or stay awake needs immediate assessment. Continue cooling during transport or while waiting for the ambulance, following the emergency operator's instructions.

After recovery, ask what caused the episode, how medicines or conditions such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, or type 2 diabetes may affect heat tolerance, and how to plan fluids, shade, and breaks during hot weather.