Question

You are called to a local park for an ill person. It is a hot day and the humidity is high. When you arrive, a bystander directs you to the patient, a young male who is semiconscious. His skin is flushed, hot, and moist. Your FIRST action in the management of this patient should be to:

Answer 1

Move the person to a cooler and shaded area and assess their vital signs. Provide supportive care and call for emergency medical assistance if needed.

Step-by-step explanation:

The FIRST action in the management of this patient should be to move the person to a cooler and shaded area. This is to prevent further heat exposure and reduce the risk of heat-related illness. The flushed, hot, and moist skin indicates heat exhaustion, which can progress to heatstroke if not treated promptly.

After moving the person, it is important to assess their vital signs, including their heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. If they are stable, you can provide supportive care by assisting them with cooling measures such as applying cool and wet towels to their body, encouraging them to drink water or sports drinks, and fanning them to enhance evaporative cooling.

If the person's condition worsens or if they become unresponsive, it is crucial to call for emergency medical assistance and initiate CPR if necessary.