Which of the following describes heatstroke signs?

• A. Profuse sweating, pale skin
• B. No sweating, confusion, hot skin
• C. Dizziness, nausea, headaches
• D. Cold hands, shivering, blue lips

Answer: (B)

Heatstroke happens when the body's cooling system stops working after heat exposure. The most telling signs are hot, dry skin (sweating has stopped) and confusion or altered mental status as the brain is affected. This combination—no sweating, very hot skin, and confusion—best fits heatstroke.

Profuse sweating with pale skin is more typical of heat exhaustion, not heatstroke. Dizziness, nausea, and headaches can occur with heat illness but aren’t specific to heatstroke and can be present in milder conditions. Cold hands, shivering, and blue lips point to hypothermia, not heat-related illness.

If you see heatstroke signs on the water, it’s a medical emergency—seek help immediately and start cooling the person (move to shade, remove excess clothing, apply cool water or a wet cloth, and monitor the person) while you arrange rapid transport.