Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition resulting from prolonged exposure to the sun during which a person does not sweat enough to maintain the correct body temperature. People who work outdoors, the elderly and children are the most susceptible to heat stroke. Heat stroke can cause permanent damage or death if not treated in time. It comes on quickly and requires immediate medical attention.

Heat stroke can be identified by headache, dizziness, agitation or confusion, fatigue, seizure, hot, flushed skin that is not sweaty, rapid heart beat, hallucinations, or loss of consciousness.

If you see a victim of heatstroke, get the person indoors immediately and have them lie in a cool area with their feet elevated. Remove their clothing. Apply cool water to their skin and then fan them, in order to cause sweating. Apply ice packs to their armpits and groin area. Do not allow them to gulp water. Any large intake of water would be quickly vomited back out. Seek medical attention as soon as you recognize a heat stroke victim, and once they are at the hospital, fluids will be replaced intravenously.

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