NEW DELHI – With India currently in the grip of a severe heatwave and temperatures in cities like Prayagraj hitting a staggering 45.2°C, the risk of heat-related collapse is at an all-time high. A sudden collapse in these conditions is often a sign of Heatstroke, a medical emergency where the body’s internal temperature can skyrocket to dangerous levels within minutes.
When someone collapses, every minute counts. Here is your medically-backed, quick-action guide to saving a life.
1. Call for Help (Emergency Services)
The moment you see someone collapse or appear severely confused/disoriented in the heat, call emergency services. Heatstroke is not a “wait and see” condition; it can cause permanent organ damage or death if professional medical intervention is delayed.
2. Move to Shade Immediately
Stop the overheating process by moving the individual out of direct sunlight.
- Target Areas: An air-conditioned room, a shaded porch, or under a dense tree.
- The Goal: Lowering the environmental temperature is the first step to stabilizing the patient.
3. Position and Loosen Clothing
- Position: Lay the person flat on their back and slightly elevate their legs to maintain blood flow to the heart and brain.
- Clothing: Loosen or remove unnecessary layers (shoes, socks, jackets, or tight belts) to allow the skin to breathe and release heat.
4. Aggressive Cooling (The Most Critical Step)
You must act as the body’s external cooling system.
- Water: Sponge, spray, or douse the person with cool (not ice-cold) water.
- Ice Packs: Apply ice packs or cold, wet towels specifically to the neck, armpits, and groin, as these areas have large blood vessels close to the skin.
- Airflow: Use a manual fan or an electric fan to move air over the wet skin; the evaporation will help pull heat away from the body.
5. Rehydration (Proceed with Caution)
- If Conscious: Offer small sips of cool water or an electrolyte-heavy drink (like ORS).
- If Unconscious: Do NOT attempt to give fluids. This can lead to choking or aspiration into the lungs.
6. Continuous Monitoring
Stay with the person until medical professionals arrive. Watch for changes in their breathing or pulse. If they stop breathing or lose their pulse, begin CPR immediately if you are trained to do so.
Know the Difference: Heat Exhaustion vs. Heatstroke
| Symptom | Heat Exhaustion | Heatstroke (Emergency) |
| Skin | Pale, cool, and clammy | Hot, red, and dry (or damp) |
| Sweating | Heavy sweating | No sweating (Body has lost the ability) |
| Pulse | Fast and weak | Fast and strong |
| Mental State | Dizziness/Fainting | Confusion/Seizures/Unconsciousness |