Which of the following is an important first step in treating heat stroke?

Immediately cooling down the patient is essential when addressing heat stroke because this condition is a life-threatening emergency wherein the body's temperature regulation system fails, leading to an extremely high core body temperature. The primary goal in such scenarios is to reduce the internal temperature as quickly as possible to prevent severe complications, such as damage to vital organs or even death.

Quick cooling methods may include moving the person to a cooler environment, removing excess clothing, and using cool water immersion or cool compresses on key areas of the body, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. Effective cooling can significantly improve the patient's chances of recovery, as heat stroke can otherwise lead to irreversible damage.

Other approaches, such as encouraging physical activity, providing sugary drinks, or applying heat packs, are not conducive to treating heat stroke. In fact, they can exacerbate the condition or impede recovery. Understanding the critical need for immediate cooling helps reinforce the appropriate response to heat-related emergencies.