What should you know about system of heat stroke?

Extreme heat, exertion or dehydration can overwhelm the body’s cooling systems. The person may become confused, unusually drowsy, agitated, uncoordinated or unconscious. The skin may feel hot and the person may stop sweating, but sweating can still occur, so it does not rule heat stroke out.

Heat Exhaustion is less severe but can progress. Headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, Fever-like warmth and Vomiting can occur with heat illness. Confusion or a change in behaviour is a danger sign, not something to watch at home.

Call emergency services immediately. Move the person to shade or a cool indoor place, remove excess clothing and cool the skin with water, wet cloths or fans while help is coming. Stay with them and place them on their side if they are drowsy or vomiting.

Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, unconscious or unable to swallow safely. Do not delay emergency care while trying to measure temperature or find a medicine. Hospital teams may use active cooling, monitoring and IV Fluid Therapy when needed.

Treat suspected heat stroke as urgent whenever there is confusion, fainting, seizure, severe weakness, collapse, trouble breathing or repeated Vomiting after heat exposure. A person who improves after cooling still needs medical advice because complications may not be immediately visible.

Ask what likely triggered the episode, whether medicines or illness increase heat risk, how to return safely to activity, which cooling plan to use in the UAE climate, and which symptoms require reassessment.