Stay Smart, Stay Safe
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.
Symptoms include:
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Hallucinations
- Chills
- Throbbing headache
- High body temperature
- Confusion/dizziness
- Slurred speech
Take the following steps to treat a person with suspected heat stroke:
- Call 911
- Move the person to a cool shaded area
- Until medical help arrives, help cool the person by soaking their clothes with water; spraying, sponging or showering them with water; and fanning their body.
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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