Treating heat exhaustion includes which measure?

• A. Move the patient to a cool environment and lie down, apply cool compresses, and give small cups of water.
• B. Administer hot drinks to raise body temperature.
• C. Expose the patient to direct sunlight to promote sweating.
• D. Ignore symptoms and wait for them to pass.

Answer: (A)

When someone is overheated, the goal is to cool the body and replace fluids. The best first aid is to move the person to a cool environment and have them rest. Lying down helps reduce strain on the cardiovascular system and keeps them calm. Applying cool compresses to the skin accelerates heat loss through evaporation and convection, helping lower the body temperature more quickly. Giving small sips of water (or a rehydration drink if available) helps rehydrate gradually without overwhelming the stomach or triggering vomiting.

These steps address the main issues in heat exhaustion: overheating and dehydration. Pushing hot drinks or keeping the person in direct sun would raise body temperature and worsen the condition, while ignoring symptoms and waiting for them to pass can let it progress to a more dangerous state. If symptoms are severe or do not improve with cooling and fluids, medical care should be sought.