What is the primary symptom of a marine suffering from heatstroke?

The primary symptom of heatstroke is a rectal temperature exceeding 104°F. This elevated body temperature indicates that the body is unable to regulate its heat and is at risk of severe physiological damage. Heatstroke can occur when the body’s thermoregulatory mechanisms fail due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or strenuous physical activity in hot weather. As body temperature rises, serious health risks can emerge, including damage to vital organs.

While symptoms like rapid heartbeat, confusion, and excessive sweating may accompany heat-related illnesses, they are often not specific to heatstroke or indicative of its severity. Excessive sweating, for instance, is more commonly associated with heat exhaustion rather than heatstroke, where the body might actually stop sweating due to extreme overheating.