A 16-year-old boy collapses at the finish of a school cross-country race in Perth on a 39-degree day. He is co…

Question

A 16-year-old boy collapses at the finish of a school cross-country race in Perth on a 39-degree day. He is confused, cannot say where he is, and is unsteady when helped to sit. His skin is hot and wet with sweat. Tympanic temperature is 40.9 degrees Celsius, pulse 132/min and blood pressure 104/62 mmHg. An ambulance has been called and will take about 20 minutes; a rubbish bin, a garden hose and an ice chest are available. Which one of the following should be used to cool him while waiting?

Accepted Answer

Immersion in cold water to the neck.

Answer

Cold shower with continuous fanning.

Answer

Ice packs to the groin and axillae.

Answer

Intravenous cold sodium chloride 0.9%.

Answer

Tepid sponging with repeated moistening.

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