Home · What to do · Heat stroke and sunstroke: first aid

Heat stroke and sunstroke: first aid

Heat stroke is the point at which the body stops cooling itself: core temperature passes 39–40 °C, sweating stops and consciousness clouds. It is most dangerous for children, the elderly and people with heart disease, and it happens not only on beaches but in closed cars, on building sites and in stuffy flats.

Call now +7 (985) 887-82-52dispatch line, 24/7 (Russian-speaking)

Write to usWhatsApp Telegram MAX

What to do right now

Move to shade and cool air
Air conditioning, a fan, a cool room. Remove excess clothing.
Cool actively
A wet sheet, cold packs on the neck, armpits and groin where large vessels run. Pour cool — not ice-cold — water over the skin. The aim is to get below 38.5 °C.
Give fluids if conscious
Cool water, mineral water or rehydration solution in small sips. No alcohol or coffee.
Lie down with the legs raised
For dizziness and weakness — flat with legs above the head. If unconscious — on the side.
Keep measuring the temperature
Above 40 °C, not falling, or confusion — this is heat stroke and needs a crew.

Call an ambulance if

Body temperature of 40 °C or more
Confusion, delirium, seizures, loss of consciousness
Hot dry skin — sweating has stopped
Vomiting, unable to drink
A child under five or an elderly person with any signs of overheating
A cardiac or diabetic patient with breathlessness or chest pain in the heat

What not to do

Do not give fever medication — it does not work in heat stroke and damages the liver
Do not immerse in ice water — it causes vessel spasm
Do not give alcohol or beer
Do not leave the person alone even if they feel better

What the crew does

Temperature, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and blood sugar
Active cooling, intravenous fluids for dehydration
ECG for cardiac patients — heat provokes arrhythmias
Admission for temperatures above 40 °C or impaired consciousness

This page is for information and does not replace a medical examination. If the condition worsens, call the crew: +7 (985) 887-82-52.

This page in Russian: Russian version.

Questions

How is sunstroke different from heat stroke?

Sunstroke is overheating of the head in direct sun: headache, nausea, moderate temperature. Heat stroke is overheating of the whole body, far more dangerous, with temperature above 40 °C and impaired consciousness. First aid is the same; urgency is not.

How much does a call-out for overheating cost in Moscow?

Call-out 6,000 ₽ inside the MKAD, infusion by the price list, usually 7,000–14,000 ₽. To a country house — plus 200 ₽ per kilometre beyond the MKAD both ways.

How do I protect an elderly parent in a heatwave?

A fan or air conditioner, water within sight, a call every 2–3 hours, no walks between noon and 5 p.m. If they take blood-pressure medication, check the readings twice a day — pressure falls in the heat.