Taking time to learn about heatstroke means,you're putting your health first.

Every summer, rising temperatures bring more than just sunshine — they bring real risks. Heatstroke is not just about feeling overheated. It's a serious medical emergency that can affect anyone, at any age, with little warning.

By understanding the signs, symptoms, and ways to prevent it, you're not just preparing for the heat — you're taking charge of your wellbeing.

Whether you're an active outdoor worker, a parent, a senior, or just someone who enjoys the sun — knowing more can save lives — maybe even your own.

Heatstroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when your body becomes dangerously overheated—usually reaching a core temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher—and can no longer regulate its internal temperature. This often happens during extended exposure to high temperatures, especially when combined with strenuous physical activity and dehydration.

When the body's cooling systems—like sweating—fail, the internal temperature rises rapidly, affecting vital organs, especially the brain.

How Heatstroke Affects the Brain:

The brain is extremely sensitive to temperature changes. As body temperature rises during heatstroke, several things can happen:

• Swelling of the brain (cerebral edema): High temperatures can cause inflammation and swelling inside the brain. This puts pressure on brain tissue and disrupts normal function.

• Disruption of neurotransmitters: The extreme heat interferes with chemical messengers in the brain, affecting how nerves communicate. This leads to confusion, agitation, slurred speech, and poor coordination.

• Impaired blood flow: Heatstroke can reduce blood supply to the brain, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. This may lead to fainting, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

• Permanent brain damage: If not treated quickly, prolonged overheating can kill brain cells. This may cause long-term effects such as memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or changes in personality and behavior.

Because the brain controls essential functions like breathing, heart rate, and consciousness, heatstroke is a medical emergency. Immediate cooling and medical attention are critical to prevent irreversible brain damage or death.

Warning Signs of Heatstroke:

• Body temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher

• Hot, red, dry or damp skin

• Fast, strong pulse

• Headache

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Nausea or vomiting

• Confusion, disorientation

• Loss of consciousness (fainting)

🧊 What to Do:

Call 911 immediately — Heatstroke is a medical emergency.

While waiting for help:

• Move the person to a cool or shaded area

• Remove excess clothing

• Cool the person down with:

  • Cool cloths or ice packs (on neck, armpits, and groin)

  • A cool (not ice-cold) bath or shower

  • Fanning and misting with water