What is a key step in caring for heat stroke?

What is a key step in caring for heat stroke?

• A. Call 911 and immerse body in cold water
• B. Sit in shade and drink hot tea
• C. Exercise to raise heart rate
• D. Apply heat

Answer: (A)

Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and the priority is to cool the person quickly while getting professional help. The best immediate step is to call emergency services and begin rapid cooling, with cold-water immersion being one of the most effective methods. Immersing the person in cold water surrounds the body with a cooling medium, promoting fast heat transfer away from the core and helping protect the brain and organs from heat damage. If cold-water immersion isn’t feasible, use other cooling methods like cool running water and removing excess clothing while moving the person to a cooler environment, but aim for as rapid cooling as possible. Avoid actions that worsen heat stroke, such as giving hot drinks, having the person exercise, or applying external heat. These choices raise body temperature or stress the body further.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and the priority is to cool the person quickly while getting professional help. The best immediate step is to call emergency services and begin rapid cooling, with cold-water immersion being one of the most effective methods. Immersing the person in cold water surrounds the body with a cooling medium, promoting fast heat transfer away from the core and helping protect the brain and organs from heat damage. If cold-water immersion isn’t feasible, use other cooling methods like cool running water and removing excess clothing while moving the person to a cooler environment, but aim for as rapid cooling as possible.

Avoid actions that worsen heat stroke, such as giving hot drinks, having the person exercise, or applying external heat. These choices raise body temperature or stress the body further.