27/08/2026
EXERTIONALY HEAT STROKE
Sweating does NOT rule out heatstroke.
One of the myths I regularly talk about on my Outdoor First Aid courses is the idea that “if someone is sweating, they can’t have heatstroke.”
I see this repeated on social media every summer — and it’s simply not a reliable way to rule out a life-threatening heat illness.
A person with heatstroke can still be sweating, particularly if they are well hydrated and their core temperature has risen rapidly.
Changes in mental state (AcVPU) are a much more concerning sign — confusion, agitation, unusual behaviour, reduced consciousness or collapse should raise serious concerns.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Recognise it early, act quickly and get emergency medical help.