Triage of the MWD with heat injury is similar for other types of injury or illness, but with emphasis on assessing mentation, airway and breathing, circulation, and body temperature. For MWDs with severe heat injury, they may present with obtundation or stupor; however, heat stroke patients can still be alert and responsive. MWDs presenting in stupor or coma are in imminent danger of death. Some heat stroke patients present actively seizing.

Rectal temperature may lag behind core body temperature by up to 15 minutes. Continually monitor temperatures even if normal at presentation.