If immersion is not available, what is the recommended field cooling approach for suspected heat stroke?

If immersion is not available, what is the recommended field cooling approach for suspected heat stroke?

• A. Submerge the patient in cold water up to the neck
• B. Remove clothing, move to shade, use fans and cooling measures; apply ice packs to the neck, armpits, and groin; provide high-flow oxygen; rapid transport
• C. Have the patient rest and drink cold water
• D. Cover with a blanket and wait for EMS

Answer: (B)

When immersion isn’t available, the goal is to remove heat rapidly in the field using practical cooling measures. Removing clothing helps expose more skin and enhance heat loss. Moving the patient to shade reduces ongoing heat gain from the sun. Fans and other cooling measures promote evaporation and convection, speeding cooling of the skin. Placing ice packs on the neck, armpits, and groin targets major blood vessels near the skin, allowing heat to be conducted away from the core more quickly. Providing high-flow oxygen supports tissue oxygenation during the hypermetabolic state of heat stroke. Rapid transport ensures definitive care is reached promptly. Taken together, these steps maximize field cooling when immersion isn’t possible.

When immersion isn’t available, the goal is to remove heat rapidly in the field using practical cooling measures. Removing clothing helps expose more skin and enhance heat loss. Moving the patient to shade reduces ongoing heat gain from the sun. Fans and other cooling measures promote evaporation and convection, speeding cooling of the skin. Placing ice packs on the neck, armpits, and groin targets major blood vessels near the skin, allowing heat to be conducted away from the core more quickly. Providing high-flow oxygen supports tissue oxygenation during the hypermetabolic state of heat stroke. Rapid transport ensures definitive care is reached promptly. Taken together, these steps maximize field cooling when immersion isn’t possible.