What should you do to help someone who is experiencing heat stress?

To assist someone who is experiencing heat stress, the most effective action is to remove heavy clothing and encourage them to drink water. This approach addresses the immediate physiological needs of the individual.

Heat stress can lead to overheating, and one of the best ways to alleviate this condition is to cool the body down. Removing heavy clothing helps facilitate heat loss by allowing air to circulate around the skin and enabling sweat to evaporate more readily. Hydration is equally critical, as it helps to replenish fluids lost through sweating and helps regulate body temperature.

Encouraging the person to drink water supports these efforts by ensuring they have enough fluids in their system, which is essential for proper thermoregulation and recovery from heat stress. This comprehensive approach not only assists in cooling the individual but also promotes recovery by hydrating them effectively.

In contrast, other options, such as encouraging rest in a heated area or providing heavy clothing and soft drinks, do not address the body’s need to cool down and rehydrate, which is crucial in cases of heat stress. Allowing the individual to walk around could potentially exacerbate their condition by increasing their body temperature further.