Heat stroke can be life-threatening: the body's temperature control system stops working. Body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the heat stroke victim is not cooled quickly.

Watch for signs of heat stroke:

• Hot, red, and often dry skin (during athletic activity, however, the skin may be moist)
• Changes in consciousness
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Rapid, shallow breathing.

• Call 9-1-1 or your local EMS number.
• Move the person to a cooler place.
• Quickly cool the heat stroke victim by wrapping wet sheets or towels around his or her body and fanning it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, place them on each of the victim's wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels.
• Keep the person lying down.
• Watch for signs of breathing problems. Keep the victim's airway clear.