Topic Overview
Signs of rapidly progressing heatstroke include:
-
Unconsciousness
for longer than a few
seconds.
- Convulsion (
seizure
).
-
Signs of moderate to severe difficulty breathing
.
- A rectal temperature over
104°F (40°C) after exposure to
a hot environment.
- Confusion, severe
restlessness, or anxiety.
- Fast heart rate.
- Sweating that may be heavy or may have stopped.
- Skin
that may be red, hot, and dry, even in the armpits.
- Severe vomiting and diarrhea.
After calling 911 or other emergency services, begin
emergency first aid treatment if emergency medical
personnel (such as paramedics) are not going to arrive soon.
References
Other Works Consulted
- Lipman GS, et al. (2013). Wilderness Medical Society practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of heat-related illness. Wilderness and Environmental Medicine, 24(4): 351–361.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Current as ofMarch 20, 2017
