What should you know about thermal stroke?

The body has become dangerously overheated and can no longer regulate its temperature safely. Confusion, unusual behaviour, fainting, seizures, severe weakness, or loss of coordination are warning signs. Skin may feel hot and the person may sweat heavily or have little sweating; sweating alone does not rule out danger. This is different from an ordinary fever or mild heat exhaustion. Untreated overheating can injure the brain and other organs.

Call emergency services and stay with the person. Remove extra clothing, move them into shade or air conditioning, and cool the skin with wet cloths, cool water, or a fan. Place ice packs wrapped in cloth near the neck, armpits, and groin if available. If they are unconscious, place them on their side and check breathing. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, vomiting, drowsy, or unable to swallow. Do not delay help while trying home remedies.

Seek emergency care immediately for confusion, collapse, a seizure, severe headache with overheating, trouble breathing, or inability to drink. A person who improves after cooling still needs urgent medical assessment because internal injury may not be obvious. Tell responders about heat exposure, exercise, medicines, and any conditions such as Hypertension or Type 2 Diabetes. A GP Consultation can help review future prevention after recovery.

Ask what may have contributed to the overheating, whether any medicine changes heat tolerance, how to plan fluids and cooling during outdoor activity, and which symptoms should prompt emergency help. If the person has had weakness or Numbness and Tingling, ask whether further assessment is needed.