During heat illness management, if the person is alert, what should you offer?

• A. Hot drink
• B. Cool drink
• C. Alcohol
• D. Salt tablet

Answer: (B)

Offering a cool drink when the person is alert supports both hydration and cooling. Sweating causes fluid loss, so replacing fluids helps prevent dehydration, and a cool beverage is comfortable to sip and can aid the body’s cooling process. Avoid hot drinks because they can raise body temperature, and alcohol because it dehydrates and can impair judgment. Salt tablets aren’t recommended for lay responders without medical instruction, as improper dosing can cause electrolyte problems. If they can swallow, give small sips of water or an oral rehydration solution and watch for any signs that things are getting worse or they can’t keep fluids down.