First Aid
Heat stroke: first aid
The signs of heat stroke and how to cool someone down while help is coming.
Call 108Ambulance
Because a body above 40°C damages the brain and organs within minutes.
Do this now
- 01Move them into shade or indoors immediately.
- 02Remove outer clothing.
- 03Cool them aggressively — cold water over the skin, wet cloths on the neck, armpits and groin, and keep air moving over them.
- 04If a tub or trough is available and they are conscious, immersion in cool water is the fastest method there is.
- 05If they are fully awake, give sips of cool water or ORS.
- 06Ring 108 if they are confused, agitated, unconscious, fitting or have stopped sweating. That is heat stroke, not exhaustion, and it is an emergency.
Do not
- Do not give fluids to somebody who is confused or drowsy — they will choke.
- Do not wait for an ambulance before cooling. Cooling first, transport second.
- Do not use alcohol rubs.
- Do not send them back out into the heat once they feel better.
What to tell the operator
- How long they were in the heat
- Whether they are confused, unconscious or fitting
- Whether they have stopped sweating
- Their age, and whether they have heart or kidney problems
Find help near you
See the nearest places with distance, whether they are open, a phone number and directions.
What this page cannot tell you
- The difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke turns on confusion and body temperature, not on how hot the skin feels
- Skin can be dry or drenched — both happen in heat stroke