Which step is common to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and cold exposure protocols?

• A. Remove excess/wet clothing
• B. Administer IV fluids
• C. Place in Trendelenburg
• D. Check blood pressure

Answer: (A)

Removing excess or wet clothing is the best answer because it directly influences how the body loses or preserves heat in both hot and cold emergencies. In heat exhaustion and heat stroke, exposing the skin to air and allowing evaporation and convection helps the body shed heat quickly. In cold exposure, taking off wet clothing reduces rapid heat loss through conduction and prepares the patient for rewarming with dry, insulating layers. Other steps listed aren’t universally applicable as an initial action across all three conditions; IV fluids, a Trendelenburg position, or routine blood pressure checks may be indicated in some scenarios but don’t address the immediate temperature management that removing clothing provides.