Symptoms of heat include little or no sweating, hot, dry, red skin, then shallow breathing and rapid pulse. Which condition is listed as a result?

• A. Exhaustion
• B. Cramps
• C. Stroke
• D. Rash

Answer: (C)

Those signs point to heat stroke, a life-threatening heat illness where the body's cooling mechanisms fail and core temperature rises quickly. The hot, dry skin shows that sweating has stopped, and shallow breathing with a rapid pulse indicates the body is under severe stress as it tries to cope with the heat. This combination is classic for heat stroke and sets it apart from other conditions. Heat exhaustion, for example, usually features sweating and cool or clammy skin, while cramps are muscle spasms from dehydration or electrolyte loss, and a rash doesn’t fit the typical heat illness pattern. Because heat stroke can impair brain function and other vital organs, it requires urgent action: call emergency services, move the person to a cooler place, remove excess clothing, apply cool water or ice to the skin, fan them, and monitor breathing. If the person is conscious and able to drink, offer small sips of water; do not give anything by mouth if they are vomiting or unconscious.