Oklahoma Locksmith Practice Exam

When providing first aid to a victim of a heat stroke, what should be done first?

1. Take steps to lower the person's body temperature

2. Provide the person with food and water

3. Wrap the person in a blanket

4. Move the person to a warm place

The correct answer is: Take steps to lower the person's body temperature

Taking steps to lower the person's body temperature is crucial when dealing with a heat stroke, as this medical emergency involves the body overheating to dangerously high levels. This condition can lead to severe complications like organ damage or even death if not addressed promptly. Cooling the body is essential because the body's natural thermoregulation has failed, and immediate interventions are necessary. Effective methods to lower body temperature include removing excess clothing, moving the person to a cooler environment, applying cool, wet cloths to the skin, or immersing them in cool water if possible. These actions help to restore normal body temperature and prevent further injuries. The other options, while they may seem relevant in different contexts of medical emergencies, do not address the urgent need to cool the body when heat stroke is present. Providing food and water could be harmful if the victim is not conscious or is unable to swallow properly, as it poses a choking risk. Wrapping the person in a blanket or moving them to a warmer location would exacerbate the overheating situation instead of offering relief. Therefore, focusing on cooling the patient is the priority in cases of heat stroke.