Which step should be taken if a patient is experiencing heat stroke?

In cases of heat stroke, the primary concern is to rapidly lower the patient's body temperature, as heat stroke can lead to serious complications and even death if not treated promptly. Aggressively cooling the patient is crucial because their internal temperature can rise dangerously high, leading to potential organ damage. This intervention might involve removing excess clothing, applying cool or ice packs to areas like the neck, armpits, and groin, or using cooling blankets.

While hydration is important, simply encouraging the patient to drink cold water is not sufficient in the face of heat stroke, as the body’s ability to thermoregulate is severely compromised. Sugary drinks can also be harmful, as they may cause further dehydration or complications. Letting the patient lie on the ground without taking any action to cool them down can exacerbate their condition and delay life-saving treatment. In contrast, aggressive cooling is the most effective immediate intervention to stabilize the patient and prevent further complications.