Heat Stroke

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-013074",
  "term": "Heat Stroke",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. Heat stroke occurs when the body's heat regulating mechanisms-including convection, sweating, and respiration-fail. The likelihood of heat stroke increases when air temperatures are higher than skin temperature, and when individuals are low on fluids. During a heat stroke, body temperatures can be raised to the point at which brain damage and death can result unless cooling measures are quickly taken.\n\n2. A medical condition that results from being exposed to high temperatures. A person's body temperature rises rapidly and he or she is unable to cool down by sweating.\n\n3. An acute medical emergency arising from exposure to heat, an excessive rise in body temperature, and failure of the body’s temperature regulating mechanism. Body temperature may rise to 106ºF or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. The warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include an extremely high body temperature (above 103ºF); red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and unconsciousness.",
  "subject": "Climate change",
  "references": [
    "Heat Island Effect Glossary",
    "Student's Guide to Global Climate Change",
    "EPA Emergency Responder Health and Safety Manual - Chapter 5: Personal Protective Equipment Program"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/heat-stroke/"
}