Heatstroke

• Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia in which the body temperature is elevated dramatically.
• Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated.
• The cause of heat stroke is an elevation in body temperature, often accompanied by dehydration .

Different people may have different symptoms and signs of heatstroke. Common symptoms and signs of heat stroke include -

• high body temperature,
• the absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin, or damp skin,
• headache
• dizziness
• confusion
• nausea .
• rapid pulse,
• strange behaviour,
• agitation,
• disorientation,
• seizure, and/or coma .

What to do

• Call 999/911 right away-heat stroke is a medical emergency.
• Move the person to a cooler place.
• Help lower the person's temperature with cool cloths or with whatever means available - sponge with cool water, fan while misting with cool water.
• Do not give the person anything to drink .

Complications

Heatstroke can result in a number of complications, depending on how long the body temperature is high. Severe complications may include -

• Vital organ damage. Without a quick response to lower body temperature, heatstroke can cause your brain or other vital organs to swell, possibly resulting in permanent damage.
• Death. Without prompt and adequate treatment, heatstroke can be fatal .

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