Heat stroke is critical illness defined as a core body temperature greater than or equal to 40oC and altered level of consciousness.
Mortality from heat stroke can be as high as 30%.
Numerous methods exist to rapidly cool patients below 39oC.
Of these methods, ice-water immersion cools patients the fastest and is highly effective in young patients with exertional heat stroke.
There is currently insufficient evidence to routinely recommend antipyretic agents, intravascular cooling devices, body cavity lavage, or the use of ice packs in the groin/axilla/neck. In addition, dantrolene is not recommended in the treatment of heat stroke.
References
Gaudio FG, Grissom CK. Cooling methods in heat stroke. J Emerg Med 2016; 50:607-16
