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Heat Stroke and Heat Illness

Hot skin plus confusion is a medical emergency. Cool fast, call 112.

criticalHIGH-CONFIDENCE GUIDANCEReviewed 2026-08-18
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RECOGNIZE

  • HEAT CRAMPS: painful muscle spasms with heavy sweating, but normal alertness.
  • HEAT EXHAUSTION: heavy sweating, cool clammy pale skin, weakness, headache, nausea, dizziness — the person is still alert.
  • HEAT STROKE: very hot body, confusion, slurred speech, agitation, seizures or unconsciousness. Skin may be dry or wet.
  • Confusion or altered behaviour in heat is the key warning sign of heat stroke.

CALL

  • Call 112 immediately for suspected heat stroke — any confusion, collapse, seizure or unconsciousness in heat.
  • Call 112 if heat exhaustion does not improve within 30 minutes of cooling and rest.

DO NOW

  1. 1MOVE OUT OF THE HEATGet the person into shade or a cool room immediately.
  2. 2CALL 112 IF CONFUSED OR COLLAPSEDConfusion, fits or unconsciousness in heat means heat stroke — call now.
  3. 3REMOVE EXCESS CLOTHINGTake off extra layers and loosen tight clothing.
  4. 4COOL THEM AGGRESSIVELYPour or spray cool water over the skin, fan them, and place cold packs at the neck, armpits and groin.
  5. 5FLUIDS ONLY IF FULLY ALERTGive cool water or ORS only if they are fully awake and able to swallow safely.
  6. 6KEEP WATCHINGKeep cooling until help arrives or the person is clearly better.

DO NOT DO

  • DO NOT give fluids by mouth to an unconscious or confused person.
  • DO NOT stop cooling because the person 'feels better' for a moment.
  • DO NOT give alcohol, tea, coffee or very sugary drinks.
  • DO NOT leave anyone, especially a child, inside a parked vehicle.
  • DO NOT treat heat stroke as ordinary heat exhaustion — heat stroke needs emergency care.

WHILE WAITING FOR HELP

  • Continue active cooling right up to the moment the ambulance takes over.
  • Record body temperature if you have a thermometer, and note when symptoms started.
  • Keep the person lying down in the coolest available place.
  • Watch breathing and level of response.

WHEN TO ESCALATE

  • Any confusion, seizure or unconsciousness → heat stroke, emergency.
  • Unresponsive and not breathing normally → Cardiac Arrest flow.

AFTERCARE

  • Heat stroke can damage organs; hospital assessment is required.
  • Prevent: avoid outdoor work between 12pm and 4pm during heat waves, drink water regularly, use ORS during heavy sweating, wear light cotton clothing, and check on elderly neighbours and outdoor workers.
MEDICAL SOURCES

  • National Disaster Management Authority, India

    National Guidelines / Action Plan for Prevention and Management of Heat Wave

    Published / updated 2019 · Evidence reviewed for this app on 2026-08-18

  • American Red Cross

    Focused Updates and Guidelines for First Aid

    Published / updated 2024 · Evidence reviewed for this app on 2026-08-18

This content is educational first-aid guidance and does not replace emergency medical care. Guidelines can change. Verify clinical guidance periodically.

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