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Heatstroke guidance

July 18, 2022

With the rising temperatures expected today and tomorrow, it is vital that colleagues are aware and have take the time the read the latest heatstroke guidance so that they and our patients can be kept safe.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Clinical features include:

  • Core body temperature >40°C
  • Central nervous system dysfunction (e.g., altered level of consciousness ranging from confusion to coma [encephalopathy], seizures)

It occurs in the context of passive exposure to severe environmental heat (classic heat stroke) or strenuous exercise (exertional heat stroke).

Heat exhaustion is a mild to moderate heat illness. Clinical features include:

  • Normal or slightly elevated core temperature (37°C to 40°C),
  • Mild neurological symptoms (e.g., intense thirst, weakness, anxiety, dizziness, syncope), and an intact mental status.

If untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke.

To read the guidance including treatment tips, please click here.