A 19-year-old man is brought to a rural general practice, 45 minutes from the nearest hospital, with six hours of fever, vomiting and severe pain in his legs. His temperature is 39.5°C, heart rate 118/min and blood pressure 96/60 mmHg. On his trunk there are several dark red spots that do not fade when pressed with a glass. An ambulance has been called. Which one of the following is the most appropriate immediate management in the practice?
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