How should you respond to a person who is experiencing heat exhaustion?

Moving a person experiencing heat exhaustion to a cooler location and providing fluids is the most effective response for a couple of key reasons. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses excessive amounts of water and salt, typically through sweat, leading to symptoms like weakness, dizziness, and nausea.

By relocating the individual to a cooler environment, you help lower their body temperature, which is vital in preventing the condition from progressing to heat stroke, a more severe and life-threatening situation. Alongside this, administering fluids—preferably water or a sports drink—replenishes lost electrolytes and hydration, facilitating recovery.

The other options are not appropriate responses. Encouraging exercise could exacerbate the person’s condition, while covering them with a warm blanket can raise their body temperature and worsen symptoms. Leaving someone alone to recover denies them the necessary care during a potentially dangerous medical situation.