Heat Stroke
A life-threatening condition caused by extreme body overheating.
What is Heat Stroke? A life-threatening condition caused by extreme body overheating.
Heat stroke occurs when the body's temperature regulation fails and core temperature rises above 104°F. Symptoms: very high body temperature, confusion, slurred speech, hot dry skin (sweating may have stopped), rapid heart rate. Heat stroke is a medical emergency — call 911 immediately. Cool the person with shade, cold water, or ice while waiting. Less severe heat illnesses (heat exhaustion, heat cramps) are warning signs to stop and cool down.
Recognising Heat Stroke
- Core body temperature above 104°F (40°C)
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness or confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Loss of consciousness
Risk factors
- Air temperature above 90°F (32°C) with humidity above 60%
- Heat index above 103°F (40°C)
- Strenuous physical activity in heat
- Inadequate hydration
- Heavy or dark-colored clothing
- Age extremes (infants, elderly)
- Certain medications (diuretics, antihistamines)
What to do
- Call emergency services immediately
- Move the person to a cooler environment
- Cool the body with cold-water immersion or ice packs to the neck, armpits, and groin
- Do not give fluids if the person is unconscious or vomiting
Educational content — not medical advice. Seek emergency medical care for any suspected case.
References: Wikipedia · Wikidata
Heat Stroke in our guides
Heat Stroke appears in the following WhetherWear guides:
- Summer Heat Survival: How to Dress for 90°F Days Without Wilting
- What to Wear at 100°F: Extreme Heat Outfit and Safety Guide
- What to Wear at 95°F: Outfit Guide for Extreme Heat
- What to Wear in a Heat Wave: Extreme Heat Outfit and Safety Guide
- What to Wear Running in Hot Weather: Staying Cool on Long Miles