What is the core temperature threshold that defines heat stroke?

• A. To screen for athletic talent.
• B. To identify risk factors for sudden cardiac events during sport.
• C. To assess dietary habits.
• D. To evaluate academic performance.

Answer: (B)

Heat stroke is defined by a dangerous rise in core body temperature, typically at 40°C (104°F) or higher, accompanied by dysfunction of the central nervous system. This threshold matters because it distinguishes heat stroke from milder heat-related illnesses; once the core temperature hits around 40°C with CNS symptoms, it’s a medical emergency requiring immediate rapid cooling and urgent medical care. In practice, you treat it as an emergency by cooling the person quickly (ice-water immersion or other rapid cooling methods), removing excess clothing, and seeking EMS.

The other topics listed don’t define heat stroke, since they relate to screening talent, cardiac risk factors, diet, or academic performance rather than a temperature-based diagnostic threshold.