What immediate action should be taken for a patient suffering from heat exhaustion?

Moving a patient suffering from heat exhaustion to a cooler place is a critical first step in managing their condition. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats, typically due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, often coupled with dehydration. This can lead to symptoms such as weakness, nausea, dizziness, and heavy sweating. By relocating the patient to a cooler environment, you help lower their body temperature and reduce the strain on their cardiovascular system.

In addition to providing a cooler environment, other supportive measures can be implemented, such as encouraging hydration and applying cool, damp cloths to the skin. However, the priority is to move the individual away from the heat, as failing to do so can escalate their condition to heat stroke, which is far more severe and life-threatening.

Other actions, like offering a cold drink, can be beneficial once the patient has been cooled down and if they are alert enough to drink. Encouraging them to walk around could exacerbate the situation by increasing their body temperature and exertion. Wrapping them in a blanket to warm up is entirely inappropriate, as this will compound their problem by trapping heat. Therefore, ensuring a cooler environment is paramount to the immediate response for heat exhaustion.