CTAS 1: A 19-year-old collapses during a humid summer road race. Rectal temperature is 41.3°C, HR 152, BP 96/54, and GCS is 9. Skin is hot and

Question

CTAS 1: A 19-year-old collapses during a humid summer road race. Rectal temperature is 41.3°C, HR 152, BP 96/54, and GCS is 9. Skin is hot and flushed. Point-of-care glucose is normal and there is no trauma. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Immediate whole-body cold-water immersion

Answer

CT head before cooling to exclude haemorrhage

Answer

Warm blankets to prevent shivering

Answer

Acetaminophen and passive cooling in a quiet room

Answer

Intravenous antibiotics for occult sepsis first

Exertional heat stroke — RCPSC EM MCQ

CTAS 1: A 19-year-old collapses during a humid summer road race. Rectal temperature is 41.3°C, HR 152, BP 96/54, and GCS is 9. Skin is hot and flushed. Point-of-care glucose is normal and there is no trauma. What is the most appropriate initial management?