Heatstroke First Aid: Why Cold Water Immersion Is Harmful & Correct Cooling Method
Do NOT douse a heatstroke victim in ice-cold water. Sudden extreme cooling causes peripheral vasoconstriction, shunting blood away from vital organs to the skin, impairing heat dissipation and worsening core hyperthermia.
Correct Gradual Cooling
- Apply cool (not icy) wet cloths to neck, axillae, groin.
- Spray with tepid water and fan to promote evaporative cooling.
- Monitor core temperature; stop active cooling at ~38.5–39°C (101–102°F) to avoid overshoot hypothermia.
- Call 911 immediately—heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency.
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