Signs of heatstroke and how to treat it

The summer of 2025 is set to witness unprecedented heat waves in many parts of the world, with temperatures rising beyond forecasts and arriving earlier than usual.

In that context, those who are often outdoors, whether for work or exercise, need to pay special attention to heat-related illnesses, of which heat stroke is the most serious condition and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

What’s worrying is that heatstroke isn’t just something athletes or people who work hard can worry about. It can happen even if you’re simply in a hot environment for a long time. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, people who work outdoors are at the highest risk during the first few days of exposure to high temperatures, as their bodies have yet to adjust.

Dr. Korin Hudson, an emergency specialist at MedStar Health (USA), warns that, in addition to workers, heatstroke is common in the elderly, young children (including infants) and during prolonged heat waves. People with chronic underlying diseases or who are using certain medications, including alcohol or stimulants, are also susceptible to heat-related complications.

Understanding the signs and symptoms of heatstroke can not only protect you, but it can also save someone else's life. Here's what you need to know.

Symptoms of heatstroke

As summer temperatures continue to break global records, the dangers of heat-related illnesses are becoming increasingly apparent. The most dangerous of these is heatstroke, a medical emergency that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly and properly.

Notably, heatstroke does not usually come on suddenly. It can start with signs of heat exhaustion, which is a less serious condition but still requires prompt intervention. Without proper cooling, heat exhaustion can turn into full-blown heatstroke.

According to the renowned academic medical center Mayo Clinic and the US Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), typical symptoms of heatstroke include: Changes in cognition (confusion, agitation, slurred speech, disorientation, unusual behavior); Severe headache; Hot, red, often dry skin; Loss of consciousness or fainting; Rapid heart rate, rapid breathing; Vomiting, seizures and Abnormally high body temperature.

If you or someone around you experiences these symptoms, especially if they last longer than 1 hour, become more severe, or are accompanied by vomiting, call 911 immediately.

Necessary first aid steps when encountering someone with heatstroke

According to ER physician Korin Hudson, providing proper first aid while waiting for medical help to arrive can mean the difference between life and death. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Call an ambulance immediately

Heatstroke cannot be treated at home. It is a medical emergency that requires professional intervention. If there are other people nearby, one person should call an ambulance while the other provides first aid.

2. Take the patient to a cool place

Move the victim away from the heat immediately, such as into an air-conditioned room, a shady area, or any cooler area. The main goal is to cool the body as quickly as possible.

3. Take off some clothes

Remove unnecessary clothing such as long sleeves, long pants, or layers of workout clothes. This increases the cooling effect through evaporation of sweat. Dr. Hudson also warns that wearing multiple layers to “sweat it out” is dangerous and can lead to heatstroke.

4. Cool the body immediately

Use cold towels, ice cubes, cool water or any available tools to cool areas such as the neck, armpits, groin – where there are many large blood vessels close to the skin surface. If possible, spray water on the body or soak the patient in cool water. This is also the cooling method that hospitals often use to control temperature in severe cases of heatstroke.

Although drinking enough water is a very important measure to prevent heatstroke, in a situation where a patient has already suffered from heatstroke, it is absolutely necessary not to force them to drink. The reason is that when the victim is confused, unconscious or has a neurological disorder, the ability to swallow safely is affected, leading to the risk of choking or choking.

According to Dr. Hudson, for people who are showing obvious signs of heatstroke, giving them water is no longer safe and should be decided by a medical professional when approaching the scene.

Proactive prevention is key

Heatstroke is preventable if you drink enough water, avoid outdoor activities during peak sun hours, wear appropriate clothing, and watch closely for early warning signs.

Remember, when the body is no longer able to regulate its temperature, the consequences can be very serious and fast. So don't wait until you feel dizzy, nauseous, or lightheaded to seek treatment. Act early.

Being equipped with first aid knowledge and recognizing the symptoms of heatstroke not only helps you protect yourself but can also save the lives of others during harsh summer days like today.