How should you treat a patient with suspected heat exhaustion?

Moving a patient with suspected heat exhaustion to a cool area and providing fluids is the correct approach because it directly addresses the primary issues associated with heat exhaustion: elevated body temperature and dehydration.

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses excessive amounts of water and electrolytes due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures or strenuous activity in a hot environment. The initial objective of the treatment is to reduce the patient's core temperature and replenish lost fluids. By relocating the patient to a cooler environment, the body can begin to cool down naturally, while the intake of fluids helps to restore hydration levels and support physiological functions.

Moving the patient to a cool area helps to facilitate thermoregulation, which is crucial to preventing progression to more severe conditions such as heat stroke. Providing fluids, preferably electrolyte-rich drinks, helps replace lost fluids and salts, alleviating the symptoms of heat exhaustion effectively.

Other approaches, such as encouraging continued activity, would worsen the condition by placing additional stress on the body. Covering the patient with a wet sheet can be beneficial in some contexts but may not be as effective as directly moving them to a cooler place and providing hydration. Applying ice directly to the skin can lead to localized cold injury and is not recommended, as it does not effectively promote overall core temperature reduction