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Exertional heat stroke — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyEnvironmental MedicineExertional heat strokeDipIMC

A 25-year-old runner collapses near the finish of a summer race. He is confused, hot to touch, temperature is 40.8°C and blood pressure is 100/60. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Start rapid active cooling and support ABCs

Exertional heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring immediate active cooling and supportive care. Antipyretics do not treat heat stroke because it is not hypothalamic fever. Foil blankets and delayed cooling worsen heat load. The pearl is that cooling is the definitive time-critical treatment in heat stroke.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines 2025; Resuscitation Council UK Special Circumstances Guidelines 2025