South Dakota EMS Protocols Practice Exam

In heat exhaustion, the goal is to lower temperature safely without shocking the body. Cooling gradually is the best approach because it reduces core temperature without triggering reflexes like shivering or heavy vasoconstriction that rapid cold exposure can provoke. Practical steps include removing the person from heat, loosening or removing tight clothing, promoting evaporative cooling (cool, damp skin with fans or light mist), and giving fluids if the person can drink. Do not give hot fluids, and avoid rapid cooling methods such as ice packs on the body or full submersion. Those aggressive methods aren’t appropriate for heat exhaustion and are reserved for heat stroke, where quick cooling is needed to prevent organ damage.