Heatstroke happens when body temperature rises quickly and a person can't cool down. It can be life-threatening by causing damage to the brain and other vital organs. It may be caused by doing strenuous activity in the heat or by being in a hot place for too long. Heatstroke can happen without having any previous heat-related condition, such as heat exhaustion.
Heatstroke: First aid
If you suspect heatstroke, call 911 or your local emergency number. Then move the person out of the heat right away.
Heatstroke: First aid
Heatstroke symptoms include:
- Fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) or greater.
- Changes in mental status or behavior, such as confusion, agitation and slurred speech.
- Hot, dry skin or heavy sweating.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Flushed skin.
- Rapid pulse.
- Rapid breathing.
- Headache.
- Fainting.
- Seizure.
- Coma.
Heatstroke: First aid
For heatstroke, cool the person through whatever means available. For example:
- Put the person in a cool tub of water or a cool shower.
- Spray the person with a garden hose.
- Sponge the person with cool water.
- Fan the person while misting with cool water.
- Place ice packs or cool, wet towels on the neck, armpits and groin.
- Cover the person with cool, damp sheets.
- If the person is conscious, offer chilled water, a sports drink containing electrolytes or another nonalcoholic beverage without caffeine.
- Begin CPR if the person loses consciousness and shows no signs of circulation, such as breathing, coughing or movement.
Show References
- Heat injury and heat exhaustion. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/heat-injury-and-heat-exhaustion. Accessed Jan. 31, 2024.
- Heat stress. National Institute for Safety and Occupational Health. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/. Accessed Jan. 31, 2024.
- O'Connor FG, et al. Exertional heat illness in adolescents and adults: Epidemiology, thermoregulation, risk factors, and diagnosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 31, 2024.
- Heat-related illnesses. American College of Emergency Physicians. https://www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/know-when-to-go/heat-related-illnesses. Accessed Jan. 31, 2024.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-heatstroke/basics/art-20056655