Which description defines heat stroke and its immediate management?

• A. Core temperature greater than 39 C with dehydration.
• B. Core temperature greater than 40 C with altered mental status; immediate cooling (ice bath, shaved ice) and EMS.
• C. Mild overheating with normal mental status; rest.
• D. Core temperature above 41 C; only rest and fluids.

Answer: (B)

Heat stroke is an emergency defined by a dangerously high body temperature with dysfunction of the central nervous system. The most important part of treatment is rapid cooling and medical help, because these signs indicate the body is overheating to a level that can cause organ damage quickly.

The description that fits best is a core temperature over 40 C with altered mental status, followed by immediate cooling (ideally ice bath or shaved ice) and calling EMS. This combines the diagnostic feature of CNS involvement with the urgent, active cooling required to prevent serious complications. Rest, fluids, or milder overheating without mental status changes do not capture the severity and urgency of heat stroke, and management focused on rest or hydration alone is insufficient.