Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when a person becomes extremely overheated. Basically, the body's temperature rises while its ability to cool off shuts down. Children are especially vulnerable to heat stroke. Your child might get heat stroke if he plays outside in very hot weather, for example, especially if he becomes dehydrated or if he's dressed too warmly. A severe sunburn can also make him susceptible. Leaving him in a parked car — which you should never do — would put him at risk, too. (In fact, heat stroke can occur within minutes in a car, where the temperature quickly climbs much higher than the outside temperature.)
Your child may first show signs of heat exhaustion, which is milder. These symptoms include thirst, fatigue, leg or stomach cramps, and cool, moist skin.
If your child's heat exhaustion progresses to heat stroke, he may have any of the following symptoms:
You'll also want to watch for signs of dehydration.
You'll need to bring your child's internal temperature down as quickly as possible. Time is of the essence — a child suffering from severe heat stroke can easily slip into unconsciousness.
First, call 911. Then undress your child completely and lay him down in a cool area. (If you're outside in the sun, find some shade, but if at all possible, move him into a cool room.) Prop his head up on a pillow or folded towel and sponge down his body with a washcloth or rag dipped in cool water. While you're waiting for the ambulance, continue to sponge him off and fan him. (You can use an electric fan or simply fan him with something in your hand, like a magazine.) Talk to him reassuringly to keep him calm. Don't give him anything to drink. And though you may be tempted to give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol), it won't lower a temperature caused by heat stroke.
If your child is showing signs of heat exhaustion but it hasn't progressed to heat stroke, bring him indoors — to an air conditioned room, if possible — and give him plenty of liquids (not too sugary or too cold, though, or he might get stomach cramps). You might also give him a cool bath or shower and insist that he rest indoors for the rest of the day. If he doesn't seem to be improving quickly, take him to the doctor or emergency room.
Keep in mind that it doesn't take much to bring on overheating, especially if your child is active on a hot day or he isn't used to the heat (in the beginning of summer, for example). If he's going to be playing sports in the hot weather, help him acclimate by letting him play outdoors a little bit at a time, increasing the length of time over a two-week period. Dress him in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Make sure he drinks more fluids than usual on hot days and takes frequent breaks. When the temperature is really severe, keep him indoors. (If your home is very hot and you don't have air conditioning, seek comfort at a public library, a mall, or a community shelter provided especially for relief from the heat.)