Heat Stroke: When To Seek Emergency Medical Care

Heat stroke is a severe and life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down, leading to dangerous internal body temperatures, typically above 104°F (40°C). The condition can cause physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, as well as changes in mental state, including confusion, disorientation, and aggression. If you or someone around you is displaying symptoms of heat stroke, it is crucial to act quickly and seek emergency medical treatment.

Heat stroke symptoms

Heat stroke is a severe and life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It is the most serious form of heat injury and can lead to organ failure and brain damage. The condition occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature, resulting in a core body temperature of 104°F or higher. Heat stroke can happen to anyone, but the risk is higher for older adults, overweight or underweight individuals, and those with chronic medical conditions.

The symptoms of heat stroke are often the body's last resort to lower its temperature and can include:

• Confusion or changes in mental state
• Loss of consciousness
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• High internal (core) body temperature, typically over 104°F
• Behaviour changes, such as agitation or aggression
• Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
• Fast, shallow breathing (tachypnea)
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Skin colour changes—either flushed or paler than usual
• Skin that is dry (classic heat stroke) or sweaty (exertional heat stroke)
• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Lack of sweating despite the heat
• Red, hot, and dry skin
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Seizures
• Disorientation
• Coma

If you or someone around you is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is crucial to act quickly. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately and begin cooling the person down by moving them to a cooler location, removing unnecessary clothing, and applying cool water and fans to their skin. It is important to continue these cooling measures until emergency services arrive, as every minute counts in preventing serious complications or death from heat stroke.

When to call emergency services

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you or someone around you is experiencing symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 or your local emergency services number right away. Here are some signs that indicate when to call the emergency services:

• High Body Temperature: A core body temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher is a hallmark symptom of heat stroke. This is a critical threshold, and immediate action is necessary to prevent further complications.
• Behavioral Changes: Changes in behaviour, such as confusion, disorientation, agitation, or aggression, are strong indicators of heat stroke. If you notice someone becoming confused, unable to think clearly, or exhibiting unusual behaviour, seek emergency assistance.
• Loss of Consciousness: If a person loses consciousness due to heat stroke, call emergency services immediately. This is a severe condition that requires prompt medical attention.
• Rapid Heartbeat and Shallow Breathing: Heat stroke can cause a fast heart rate, which may be either strong or weak. Additionally, rapid and shallow breathing can be a symptom. These symptoms indicate a person is experiencing heat stroke and requires urgent medical care.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Heat stroke can lead to nausea and vomiting. If you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms, don't hesitate to call emergency services.
• Skin Changes: Look for flushed, hot, and dry skin. This can be a sign of heat stroke, especially when combined with other symptoms.
• Dizziness and Light-headedness: Feeling dizzy or light-headed can be an early sign of heat stroke. If someone is exhibiting these symptoms, move them to a cooler location and call emergency services if their condition doesn't improve.
• Lack of Sweating: If a person is exposed to high temperatures and is not sweating, it could be a sign of heat stroke. This indicates that their body is struggling to regulate its temperature.
• Muscle Weakness or Cramps: Heat stroke can cause muscle weakness or cramps. If you notice someone experiencing these symptoms, especially in hot environments, call emergency services.

Remember, heat stroke is a severe condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you or someone around you is exhibiting any of these symptoms, don't wait; call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

First aid for heat stroke

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down, leading to a dangerously high body temperature, typically above 104°F (40°C). While waiting for emergency services to arrive, there are several first aid steps you can take to help someone experiencing heat stroke:

• Move the person out of direct sunlight or heat: Bring them to a cooler, shaded, or air-conditioned area.
• Cool the person down: Use rapid cooling methods such as immersing them in cold water (if safe to do so), applying cold, wet cloths or towels, or having them take a cold shower.
• Fan the person: Increase air circulation around them to aid in cooling.
• Apply ice or cold packs: Place ice or cold packs on the person's neck, wrists, ankles, groin, and armpits to help lower their body temperature.
• Do not give fever-reducing medication: Avoid giving the person fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen, as these can worsen complications and do not address the cause of heat stroke.
• Do not offer fluids if the person is unconscious: Providing fluids may lead to accidental inhalation (aspiration), which can be dangerous. However, if the person is conscious, encourage them to drink plenty of non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated fluids.
• Monitor the person's condition: Continue checking their breathing, responsiveness, and other vital signs. Be prepared to administer CPR if necessary.
• Reassure the person: Let them know you will help and that emergency services have been called.

It is crucial to act quickly and seek immediate medical attention for heat stroke. The longer the person's body temperature remains high, the greater the risk of serious complications or even death.

Risk factors

Heat stroke is a severe and life-threatening form of heat-related illness, and it requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down, with a core body temperature of over 104°F (40°C). It can develop in a hot environment or as a result of intense physical activity.

There are several risk factors for heat stroke, which can be broadly categorised into environmental and personal risk factors.

Environmental Risk Factors

• Sources of Heat: Radiant heat from the sun or other sources, such as conductive heat from the ground, can contribute to heat stroke.
• Working Conditions: Working outdoors in hot weather, especially with strenuous physical activity, increases the risk of heat stroke. This includes agricultural fields, construction sites, and any outdoor work with protective clothing or equipment that limits air circulation and the body's ability to cool down.
• Weather Conditions: High temperatures, high humidity, and lack of air movement or proper ventilation can all contribute to heat stroke.

Personal Risk Factors

• Age: Young children and adults over 65 are at a higher risk of heat stroke.
• Health Conditions: Pregnancy, dehydration, infections, and cardiovascular disease are among the health conditions that can increase the risk of heat stroke. Additionally, conditions that limit the body's ability to sweat, such as anhidrosis, deep burns, extensive scars, or ectodermal dysplasia, can put individuals at higher risk.
• Medications: Certain medications can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature and increase the risk of heat stroke. These include anticholinergics, antipsychotics, calcium channel blockers, lithium, SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and more.
• Substance Use: Substance use, such as caffeine, alcohol, and illegal drugs, can affect the body's ability to cool down and increase the risk of dehydration, leading to a higher risk of heat stroke.
• Acclimatization: Individuals who are not acclimatised to hot or warm conditions, or who have not gradually adjusted to working in the heat, are at a higher risk of heat stroke.
• Physical Fitness and Water Intake: Poor physical fitness and not drinking enough water can increase the risk of heat stroke. Dehydration is a significant factor in heat stroke, and it can be exacerbated by alcohol consumption or diuretic substances.
• Previous Heat Illness: A history of heat illness can make an individual more susceptible to heat stroke in the future.

Heat stroke prevention

Heat stroke is a severe and life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down, resulting in a dangerous increase in internal body temperature, typically above 104°F (40°C). To prevent heat stroke, it is important to take the following precautions:

• Stay in a cool environment: Use air conditioning or fans to keep your home cool. If you don't have access to air conditioning, identify places you can go to cool down, such as community centres or malls.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after physical activity. Include electrolytes in your fluids, especially if you are taking part in strenuous exercise.
• Avoid heat exposure: Limit your time in the sun, especially during the hottest parts of the day. If you must be outdoors, take frequent breaks in shaded areas and wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Acclimatisation: Give your body time to adjust to the heat. Start with shorter periods in the heat and gradually increase your exposure.
• Monitor your health: Keep an eye on your urine colour; darker urine indicates dehydration. Also, monitor your weight before and after physical activity to understand how much fluid you need to drink.
• Avoid dehydrating substances: Alcohol and caffeine can speed up dehydration, so it is best to avoid or limit these during hot weather.
• Eat hydrating foods: Consume fruits, salads, smoothies, and chilled soups to help stay hydrated.
• Take cool showers or baths: This can help lower your body temperature and prevent overheating.

By following these precautions, you can help prevent heat stroke and its potentially serious complications, including organ damage and brain dysfunction. It is important to be vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if you or someone around you exhibits symptoms of heat stroke.

Frequently asked questions