When treating heat stroke, what should you avoid?

When treating heat stroke, forcing the victim to drink is not advisable because their condition can impair their ability to swallow and may lead to choking or aspiration. In severe cases of heat stroke, the person may also be unconscious or semi-conscious, making them unable to safely consume fluids. Instead, the primary focus should be on rapidly cooling the body through other methods while ensuring the victim receives medical attention as soon as possible.

Moving the victim to a cooler area is a vital step to help lower their body temperature, while applying cool water to the skin allows for effective heat dissipation. Loosening tight clothing can aid in this cooling process by promoting airflow to the skin. Thus, avoiding forced hydration while prioritizing physical cooling measures is essential in effectively managing heat stroke.