medical emergency

Hyperthermia / Overheating

When When body temperature above 39 °C, hot dry skin, confusion, or seizures occur after stimulant use (MDMA, cocaine, speed, cathinones).

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Content is undergoing medical and legal review. Changes possible.

Emergency

Call 112. Calling for help is required by law (German Criminal Code § 323c). levelll cannot promise immunity from criminal or administrative consequences.

Immediate

1. Call 112 — hyperthermia above 40 °C causes multi-organ failure within minutes.
2. Actively cool the person: cold damp cloths on armpits, groin, neck. If available: cold water over the skin, a fan.
3. Offer water in small sips, not by the liter — risk of hyponatremia (see its own scenario).

Don't do

Don't let them keep dancing or moving — muscle activity raises temperature.
No ice bath — risk of shock from cooling down too fast.
Don't give antipyretics (paracetamol, ibuprofen). Substance-induced hyperthermia responds differently than febrile hyperthermia.

Stimulant hyperthermia arises from a combination of central thermoregulation disruption and peripheral vasoconstriction. In a warm environment (club, festival, summer) or with intense physical activity, the risk increases massively.

Warning signs:

Hot, dry skin (in contrast to physical exertion with sweating)
Confusion, perceptual disturbances
Seizures
Tachycardia above 130/min at rest

Clinical care: active external cooling (cool pads, cold infusions), sedation with benzodiazepines, dantrolene if needed. In the acute moment, only rapid temperature reduction counts — and the 112 call.

In Berlin clubs, “chill-out rooms” and water stations are the most important prevention. SONAR and Eclipse e.V. work with event organizers on heat standards.