If the person is unresponsive, not breathing normally, or you are unsure — call your local emergency number NOW, before anything else.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency where the body overheats and can no longer control its temperature. Fast action is critical because the brain, heart, and other organs can be damaged within minutes.
Call emergency services immediately if…
- The person is confused, agitated, faints, has a seizure, or is hard to wake
- They have very hot skin and seem seriously ill after heat exposure or heavy activity
- They are not breathing normally or become unconscious
- They are vomiting repeatedly or cannot drink safely
- Their condition is getting worse or not improving quickly with cooling
- 1
Call emergency services now
Call the local emergency number immediately if you suspect heatstroke. Put the phone on speaker if possible so you can start first aid right away.
- 2
Move to a cooler place
Take the person out of the sun and into shade, a cool room, or an air-conditioned place. Remove extra clothing, hats, or sports gear to help heat escape.
- 3
Start rapid cooling
Cool the whole body as quickly as you can. Use cool or cold water on the skin, place cold wet towels on the body, fan them continuously, or if available immerse them in cool or cold water.
- 4
Focus on key areas
Keep cooling the neck, armpits, and groin while also wetting and fanning the rest of the body. Replace towels as they warm up so cooling continues.
- 5
Protect breathing
If the person is awake, help them stay lying down in the coolest position possible. If they are unconscious but breathing normally, place them on their side and watch their breathing closely.
- 6
Give nothing by mouth if severely ill
Do not give drinks if the person is confused, vomiting, having a seizure, or not fully alert because they could choke. If they are fully awake and able to swallow normally, wait for emergency advice and keep cooling.
- 7
Be ready for CPR
If they stop breathing normally, begin CPR if you are trained and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Continue cooling as much as possible until help takes over.
Do NOT
- Do not delay calling emergency services while trying home treatment first
- Do not give alcohol, caffeine, or anything by mouth to someone who is confused, drowsy, or vomiting
- Do not leave the person alone
- Do not cover them with blankets or keep them in a hot enclosed space
- Do not force them to keep walking or exercising
Afterwards
Even if the person seems better, they still need urgent medical assessment because heatstroke can cause hidden organ damage. Keep them cool, resting, and monitored until medical help arrives or a clinician says it is safe.
Sources
- [1]Heat-Related Illnesses — American Red Cross
- [2]Heat and Health — World Health Organization
- [3]Extreme Heat — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Printed from HealthPulse.cc — first-aid education only, not a substitute for training or professional emergency care. Always call your local emergency number first.
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