Treating Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is not simply feeling overheated. It is a life-threatening emergency in which the body can no longer control its temperature, and the brain or other organs may be affected. Confusion, unusual behaviour, slurred speech, seizures, collapse, or loss of consciousness are warning signs. Skin may be hot and sweaty or dry, so sweating does not rule it out. If you suspect heat stroke, act immediately—do not wait for a thermometer reading or see if the person improves on their own.
First, call your local emergency number and tell the dispatcher you suspect heat stroke. If you are outdoors, give clear directions to your location and ask someone to meet responders if possible. Move the person out of the sun or away from the heat, while keeping yourself safe. Do not leave them alone. If they are unconscious but breathing normally, place them on their side if you can do so safely, and keep checking their breathing. If they are not breathing normally, begin CPR and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
Next, start cooling right away. Remove excess clothing and equipment, then use the fastest practical method available. For exertional heat stroke—such as after hard exercise in hot conditions—cold-water immersion is often the most effective option if it can be done safely: support the person, keep their head and airway above water, and have someone monitor them continuously. If immersion is not practical, soak their skin and clothing with cool water while fanning them, or use a cool shower. Keep refreshing the water and airflow; cooling should be continuous while help is on the way.
Cold packs wrapped in cloth can be placed at the neck, armpits, and groin as an additional measure, but they should not replace whole-body cooling. Keep watching the person’s alertness and breathing, and tell emergency responders what happened, when symptoms began, and what cooling measures you used. Don’t give fever-reducing medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen; heat stroke is not a fever caused by infection, and these medicines do not treat it.
Be cautious with drinks. Someone who is confused, very drowsy, vomiting, having a seizure, or unconscious should not be given anything by mouth because they could choke. If they are fully alert and able to swallow normally, small sips of cool water may be reasonable while you wait for professional advice—but fluids are not a substitute for urgent medical care. Even if the person seems to recover as they cool, they still need emergency assessment.
The key to treating heat stroke is simple to remember: recognise the danger, call for emergency help, and cool the person immediately. In a field setting, preparation matters too: plan shade and water breaks, watch teammates for changes in behaviour, and agree on how to summon help before setting out. Acting quickly can make a critical difference—but heat stroke always deserves urgent professional care.
