Final answer:
Heat stroke, as per NATA's position, requires a core body temperature above 40°C (104°F) and altered mental status. Enzymatic breakdown and metabolic failure can ensue, necessitating immediate medical intervention.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) position statement on preventing sudden death in sports, heat stroke is typically characterized by two main criteria. The first criterion is a core body temperature that is greatly elevated, typically above 40°C (104°F). The second criterion involves a change in mental status, with symptoms ranging from confusion to unconsciousness. When body temperature soars to such highs, enzymes start to lose their structure and function, leading to a breakdown in the chemical reactions necessary for metabolism, which can be fatal if untreated.