Heat Stroke: When Does Heat Become Dangerous?

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the body's internal temperature rises rapidly, typically due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, and the body's cooling mechanisms, such as sweating, fail to regulate it. During heat waves, when the heat index rises above 85°F (29°C), the risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, increases significantly. Heat stroke can cause an individual's body temperature to soar above 103°F (39°C), leading to serious organ malfunction and potentially resulting in permanent disability or even death if not treated promptly.

Heat stroke symptoms

• High body temperature (above 103°F or 39.4°C)
• Hot, red, dry or damp skin
• Loss of consciousness
• Throbbing headache
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Seizures
• Slurred speech
• Profuse sweating or hot, dry skin

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is crucial to act fast. Move the person to a cooler environment, preferably one with air conditioning. Help reduce their body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath, and do not give them anything to drink. Call emergency services immediately, as heat stroke can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Heat stroke treatment

Heat stroke is a severe and life-threatening emergency that requires immediate action. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call emergency services right away. While waiting for help to arrive, there are several steps you can take to help the affected person.

First, move the person to a cooler environment, ideally a well-air-conditioned room. If that is not possible, get them out of direct sunlight and into a shaded area. Loosen any tight clothing and remove any unnecessary layers. You can also apply cool, wet cloths or towels to their skin or have them sit in a cool bath to help reduce their body temperature. Make sure not to give them any fluids.

If their condition allows, have the person take a cold shower or immerse themselves in cold water up to their neck. You can also apply ice packs and use a fan to help cool them down further, but be cautious with fans when the heat index is above the 90s, as it can have the opposite effect and make them hotter.

While applying these cooling methods, continue to monitor the person's condition, including their breathing and responsiveness. Reassure them that you are there to help and that emergency services are on their way.

It is important to act quickly and seek medical attention if you suspect someone is experiencing heat stroke. By following these steps, you can provide crucial assistance while waiting for emergency services to arrive.

Heat exhaustion symptoms

If someone is experiencing these symptoms, it is recommended to move them to a cooler environment, preferably a well-air-conditioned room. Loosen their clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or have them sit in a cool bath. Offer them sips of water, but if they vomit more than once, seek immediate medical attention.

It is important to act quickly if someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion. Heat-related illnesses occur when the body struggles to cool itself, and they can progress to heat stroke if not addressed. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency that can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Additionally, heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness and can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. They are characterized by painful muscle cramps and spasms, typically in the legs and abdomen, along with heavy sweating. If heat cramps last longer than an hour or are accompanied by other symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Heat exhaustion treatment

Heat exhaustion is a dangerous condition that requires immediate attention and treatment. It is important to recognise the symptoms of heat exhaustion, which include excessive sweating, feeling sick, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, rapid breathing, fast heartbeat, and cramps in the arms, legs, and stomach. If you or someone around you is experiencing these symptoms, act quickly to prevent the condition from worsening into heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. Here are the steps to treat heat exhaustion:

• Move the person to a cool place: Get the affected person out of the heat and into a cool, well-ventilated area, preferably an air-conditioned room.
• Remove unnecessary clothing: Take off any tight or unnecessary garments, such as jackets or socks, to help their body cool down faster.
• Provide fluids: Offer the person cool water or a sports drink in small, frequent sips. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. If the person feels nauseous or is vomiting, stop giving them fluids and seek medical advice.
• Cool their body: Use methods such as spraying or sponging them with cool water, applying cool wet cloths or ice packs wrapped in cloth under their armpits or on their neck, or encouraging them to sit in a cool bath.
• Monitor their condition: Stay with the person and monitor their recovery. If their condition does not improve within 30 minutes, or if they vomit more than once, seek immediate medical attention.

It is crucial to act promptly and follow these steps to effectively treat heat exhaustion and prevent it from progressing to heatstroke, which can have severe and potentially life-threatening consequences.

Heat stroke prevention

Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Delaying treatment can be fatal. It occurs when the body reaches a temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher. Symptoms include confusion, slurred speech, profuse sweating or hot, dry skin, loss of consciousness, seizures, and a high body temperature.

• Stay in a cool environment: Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, spend a few hours in a shopping mall, public library, or a designated heat-relief shelter.
• Wear appropriate clothing: Choose lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-coloured clothing.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, mainly water. Avoid sugary, alcoholic, and very cold drinks.
• Replace salts and minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body, so consider drinking sports drinks or eating salty snacks.
• Avoid hot and heavy meals: These add heat to your body.
• Take cool showers: This can help lower your body temperature.
• Avoid the outdoors during the hottest times of the day: Limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours. If you must go out, rest often in shady areas.
• Exercise with caution: Cut down on exercise during the heat, and get acclimated to the temperature by starting slowly and gradually increasing the pace and duration of your workouts.
• Protect yourself from the sun: Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Reapply sunscreen frequently.
• Be cautious if you're at increased risk: Certain medications and conditions can increase your risk of heat-related problems. If you fall into this category, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice any symptoms of overheating.

Frequently asked questions