What is the first step in the treatment of heat stroke?

The first step in the treatment of heat stroke is to remove the patient from the hot environment. This is crucial because heat stroke occurs when the body overheats, leading to a failure of the thermoregulatory system. By getting the patient out of the heat, you can immediately halt the increase in body temperature and prevent further complications that can arise from prolonged exposure.

While applying cold packs or keeping the skin wet are important next steps to cool the body, these measures will not be effective if the patient remains exposed to heat. Similarly, monitoring for signs of shock is vital for comprehensive care, but it should occur alongside the initial actions to stabilize the patient's condition. Therefore, removing the patient from the heat serves as the foundation upon which further treatment can effectively build.