Heat stroke is a medical emergency where the body overheats and can no longer cool itself, leading to very high body temperature and dangerous changes in mental status. It can be life‑threatening and needs urgent medical care.

Key warning signs

  • Very high body temperature : Core temperature around or above 104°F (40°C).
  • Altered mental state : Confusion, agitation, irritability, slurred speech, delirium, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
  • Changes in sweating :
    • Hot‑weather heat stroke: skin may feel hot and dry, with little or no sweating.
* Exertional heat stroke (after intense exercise): sweating may still be heavy.

Other common symptoms

  • Severe headache and dizziness : Throbbing headache, lightheadedness, staggering or difficulty walking.
  • Skin changes : Red or flushed, hot skin; sometimes dry, sometimes very sweaty depending on the cause.
  • Heart and breathing : Rapid pulse and rapid, shallow breathing as the heart and lungs work harder to cool the body.
  • Muscle and stomach symptoms : Muscle weakness or cramps, nausea, and vomiting.

Danger signs needing 911/EMS

Call emergency services immediately if someone in the heat has:

  • Confusion, collapse, seizures, or is hard to wake
  • Hot, red skin with very high temperature
  • Rapid pulse, very fast breathing, or stops sweating despite the heat

What to do while waiting for help

  • Move the person to a cool, shaded or air‑conditioned place and lay them down.
  • Remove excess clothing and cool them quickly with cool water, wet cloths, a cool shower, or fanning.
  • If they are awake and able to swallow, give cool fluids (preferably water) in small sips; stop if they feel sick or start to vomit.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.